Cruz's positions?

explained that Cruz was there for a 'foreign policy" discussion, and his views on the Middle East. Here is an excerpt from a Daily Beast article:

It’s not a coincidence that Cruz is anti-gay and also anti-social-safety net, anti-reproductive justice, and anti-affirmative action. What extremely fortunate white gay men like Reisner and Weiderpass don’t understand is that it’s all one big package: the classism, the religious conservatism, the social conservatism—these all go together.

“A Gays” like Reisner act as though Republicans just happen to have a blind spot when it comes to gays, but otherwise they’re just fine. They can’t understand why the LGBT Log Cabin Republicans, for example, have such a rough go of it. If only the GOP could get over this particular prejudice, then there’s no reason why gay people shouldn’t support them. But it’s not one particular prejudice. Right-wing extremists are extremist through and through. It’s a whole package.

And that includes Israel. Hard-right conservatives are hard-right on Israel for the same reasons they’re hard-right on anti-LGBT and anti-choice politics. They’ve got one extreme conservative narrative: It’s us versus them, Americans versus the gays, Freedom Lovers versus Muslims, civilization versus barbarism. Iran, Palestinians, gay people, poor people, “illegal immigrants,” welfare queens, rowdy young black men—these are bad people. These kinds of dogmatic conservative values are clear, unmistakable, unshakeable.

To be sure, not every foreign policy hawk, Republican, or conservative thinks this way. But Ted Cruz is a moralist on Iran the same way he is a moralist on family values.

Like all communities, the gay community has its share, although I'd say a small rich minority, who believe greed is good, and screw everyone else, I've got mine Jack. So they are enamored with the Republican Way. ( I keep seeing that little asshat Colton from Survivor, one of the most despicable contestants they have had...who also quit twice because his assholeishness was brought to light.. bragging how he is a Republican) They convince themselves, just like their straight compadres, that they not only deserve what they have, are in fact entitled to it, but as much as they can possibly squeeze out even further, even if it means less for those struggling. Not paying as much tax, and eroding regulation is one way and a champion like Cruz will deliver. They have their minds on their money and their money on their minds..to the point nothing else matters.

And only a threat of a boycott (ie. money) will "change" their minds like this.

but I have a very hard time believing that he didn't understand Cruz's position on gay rights.

I think what he didn't understand is how it would affect his income.

That explained the mindset here perfectly, but I haven't been able to find it online

Ted Cruz: Rich, White, Arrogant, Mean, Privileged Asshole, and yet still a human being. How exactly is that a sign of a forgiving God????

Prominent NYC Hotel Owners Ignited a Dialogue with Senator Ted Cruz about Gay Rights and Reiterated Their Support of Marriage Equality

Two prominent gay NYC hoteliers Ian Reisner and Mati Weiderpass have come out with a strong statement following their meeting with Senator Ted Cruz of Texas this week and in the wake of his latest legislation to try and stop gay marriage today. Reisner and Weiderpass who own The OUT Hotel in NYC have reiterated their unwavering support of gay rights, gay marriage and equality for all. The two Manhattan business leaders support public debate and have been active in the gay equal rights movement and gay social issues for the last two decades. No topic was left off the table during their meeting with Senator Cruz, including his opinions on gay marriage, protection for the state of Israel and national security. Although the Senator said that he and his wife would "love their daughter unconditionally even if she admitted being gay" he did not alter what they feel is an unconstitutional opinion on gay marriage, which was where they vehemently disagreed on this important social issue.

Ian Reisner released the following statement after the meeting, "For my entire adult life, I have been an ardent supporter and activist for gay rights and LGBT organizations worldwide. I was given the opportunity to have a candid conversation with Senator Ted Cruz on why he should rethink his view on gay marriage. We also spoke about where he stood on issues including the state of Israel and national security, which are the only places where we share common ground. My support for Hillary Clinton remains steadfast and my meeting with Senator Cruz was a chance to engage head-on with Hillary's opposition. It was just 3 months ago that I hosted a "Ready for Hillary" event for 900 people at my hotel The OUT NYC. Senator Ted Cruz and I disagree strongly on the issue of gay marriage, but having an open dialogue with those who have differing political opinions is a part of the political system that this country was founded on. My tireless support of the gay community and its causes worldwide has not and will not change; on the contrary I reaffirm my commitment to gay rights by not shying away from engaging with anyone opposed to us."


Mati Weiderpass continued, "Our records make it clear that we support gay marriage 100%. I have been a major supporter of gay causes and gay charities for two decades. People on both sides of the aisle need to be able to communicate with one another even when they ideologically disagree. As a Captain in the Army, I worked tirelessly for the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." While serving on the Board of Directors for the Service members Legal Defense Network, I needed to reach across the aisle to make that happen. The fact that Senator Cruz came to a gay household was a surprise and a step in the right direction towards him having a better understanding of why he should rethink his stance on the gay marriage. We spent most of the time talking about national security issues and in particular the challenges regarding the defense of Israel to ISIS and Iran -- these are the only issues where we found common ground. However, I did not shy away from engaging the Senator about social issues, in particular gay marriage."

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/prominent-nyc-hotel-owners-ignited-a-dialogue-with-senator-ted-cruz-about-gay-rights-and-reiterated-their-support-of-marriage-equality-300071962.html

decision to host an event for Ted Cruz. There are many LGBT people struggling under bigotry, oppression and adversity by extremists opposing gay rights in the US and around the world as I'm sure they are aware.

One group particularly impacted is American youth who have a very high rate of being abused and thrown out of their homes by their families, at the average age of 16, with no where else to go.
Left with few resources many are even refused housing in shelters. Help is needed for them to cope with dangerous, high risk environments they are often forced to live in with little understanding and support.

Organizations who work to help kids in these situations and advocate for LGBT rights exist such as True Colors Fund, co-founded by entertainer Cyndi Lauper. A new fund drive was started to help fight discrimination and hate, as a response to the recent Italian Pizza Restaurant affair over discrimination against gay business based on Christian beliefs. The incident received overwhelming attention and support.

Please consider spreading the word and assisting these deserving young people in any way possible, it would mean so much. They face many challenges for ones so young.

Thank you very much,
-Appa


http://truecolorsfund.org/

http://www.gofundme.com/pizza4equality

another 1. It's all about the boycott and loss of business. I don't believe they didn't know.

. . . so I'm pretty skeptical of the "Just an honest mistake" excuse.

big fundraiser for her. Sounds like he is rather politically confused.

Do you think he is lying about supporting Hillary and hosting a fundraiser for her?

. . . other than two rich guys who throw their money around in order to sidle up to powerful people. To be fair, Johnson's stance seems to be somewhat more moderate than Cruz's, but he is still a Republican who thinks he can have it both ways on this issue. Evidently, so are Reisner and Weiderpass.

Here's an article at Talking Points Memo on the subject:

and not weaseling out. He made a mistake. He will certainly be more careful in the future, no matter how much money he stands to make or lose. I am inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt.

I do have to add this: Every time I open a thread about Cruz, there is a picture of his ugly face. We need to be warned!

I feel the same way about Rauner, the new and disgusting governor of my state. Please tell us that his face is going to be there.

In Rauner's case, his mouth is always open in the picture. Does he ever close his mouth?

. . . which suggests to me that he is sorrier that he got caught than anything else.

and giving him cover are just contributing to the discrimination and bigotry crises.

Be like hosting mike pence.

"Reisner sought forgiveness for his "poor judgement," explaining that he did not do his homework on Cruz's record on marriage equality before agreeing to host the event."

Lying SOB.

How could anyone with a brain not know Cruz's stance on marriage equality? He's only been more than open and forthcoming with his opinion on the matter.

he just didn't expect so much backlash. He and his partner heard leading up to the "fireside chat" what kind of person Crazy Teddy was and they still continued with their plans to host Mr. Snob. Now, after the "fireside chat" has concluded, Mr. Reisner is upset because he was misunderstood and because he was naive and ignorant to certain facts regarding Teddy The Clown. Bullshit!

You've made your bed, now lie in it, Mr. Reisner.

Reisner and his partner own The Out hotel in NY as well as 80% of the commercial property at Fire Island Pines. They've been threatened with a boycott since they invited that creep into their apartment and that's the reason for this BS apology.

He can associate with whomever he pleases. However, he should have expected to get backlash and claiming he didn't know Cruz's position is just making matters worse. I find it disgusting he met with him like some "bud", but that is his choice. GLBT comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, and political affiliations, which seems to mystify some people.

A courageous person should have said exactly that. "Being gay doesn't automatically mean I have to be a progressive and I happen to be the mouse who wants a cat to lead him. It is my right, end of story." That would have been more sincere and honest.

I think "hypocrite" falls into 'other', though I didn't specially mention it. GLBT needn't always be courageous either. We have our share of 'problematic' people.

These two guys proved that GLBT can also be lying, deceitful, taxcut-hungry assholes. I have no problem with that. It is their right to be who they want.

Some seem to forget it and act as if this earth-shattering. I find the "apology" disingenuous at best, outright deceitful at worst.

at one, the first organization to cancel an event at one of their venues is close to my heart and anyone that messes with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS can go fuck themselves.

What a surprise. What's his business again, so I can avoid it like the plague?

must not have a television or computer. This apology is PR BS.

Also apology unbelievable. What astounding crap.