Instapundit blogger Glenn Reynolds, who is also the author of the excellent book “An Army of Davids” says he was uninvited to speak at the Utah County Republican Party’s Lincoln Day Dinner because of his libertarian stance on social issues - specifically his support for gay rights.
He posted a missive on Twitter on Sunday saying he was told he was “too controversial” for the organization, and would not be speaking at the dinner. Others joined in piling on the Utah County GOP for rescinding the invite. He later followed up with a longer blog post.
It’s certainly an interesting story and one that many will quickly grab hold of because it confirms some stereotypes about Utah being intolerant and not friendly towards gays and lesbians. However, if you dig a little deeper, it gets weirder.
I reached out to Utah County GOP chair David Acheson for a comment, and he tells a different tale. According to him, Reynolds was never invited to speak by the Utah County GOP.
“His name came up during a brainstorming session about possible speakers for the dinner, but so did others ranging from Gov. Gary Herbert to Mitt Romney.”
Acheson said the next thing he knew, a supporter of the party who “has no official role” had taken it upon themselves to issue an invitation to speak, and even purchased Reynolds a plane ticket. Acheson then told this person thanks but no thanks, and that’s how Reynolds was “disinvited.”
So, who was this person who arranged for Reynolds to travel to Utah? Enter Utah Tea Party activist and former Gubernatorial candidate David Kirkham into the story.
Kirkham’s sister, Bonnie Morrow, is the vice chair of the Utah County GOP. He says she reached out and asked him to find someone to speak at the dinner. He was able to get hold of Reynolds and convinced him to waive his honorarium. He also purchased a plane ticket for Reynolds’ travel to Utah.
Fast forward to this past weekend. Kirkham says there were some within the party who were upset that Reynolds was coming because of his support for gay rights.
“I was told this had to go to the Executive Committee to be approved. Word got back to me over the weekend that they didn’t want Mr. Reynolds here because he was ‘pro gay’ and that was too controversial for them.”
Acheson disputes that. “We haven’t decided who our speaker for the Lincoln Day dinner is going to be. Reynolds is still on our list of four or five people we are considering for the event.”
“If that’s the case, what the hell did I invite him for, and why did I disinvite him?” says Kirkham.
This whole brouhaha speaks to a larger issue for Kirkham.
“I am extremely disappointed the party would exclude people who advocates fiscal policies that would put the country back on track. Don’t they understand we just lost an election because a large number of people were excluded by our party? It’s utterly appalling to me.”
Acheson lays the blame on simple miscommunication.
“I think’s it’s a cautionary tale for legitimate journalists that they need to check their facts. That’s the story here. You’ve got folks that should do better at confirming before they speak.”
Indeed. Such are the perils of getting information in the information age.
Post a Comment
Just because the Republican Party is desperately trying to find a place at the table (no pun intended) of American politics radical extremist believe it is necessary to stand for nothing, in order to win elections.
It would be wise to remember that political parties originate to foster a viewpoint...NOT solely to get members elected. That is why the Republican Party is consistently failing election after election. The Democratic Party quite simply has a platform that says "anything goes". Contrary to that view is the Republican Party shouting "We stand for traditional values". Then the RP immediately repudiates traditional values.
What happens next is the elector says "what the h***? The Republican Party represents neither values nor tradition." Then they vote for loudmouths like Ron Paul and Chris Christie, because "the party of principle" simply doesn't have any.
This may sound offensive to some, but so be it. Homosexuality is simply stupid. It simply is a pandering to a segment of society to lazy to be patient. Sexuality is about ONE THING. That one thing is propagation of the species. Two guy can't get that done. Two gals can't get that done. I know there are a few folks out there prideful with their own knowledge, compassion and open-mindedness, but if they argue differently I ask them to prove when any two people of the same gender have created offspring.
Anyone, even the rich and famous (or infamous), as Mr. Reynolds is that promotes the idea of accepting homosexuality has taken leave of reason. Any Republican Party member that advocates a similar acceptance position belongs with the Libertarians. Go there!
Now, should anyone be foolish enough to read my opinions and desire to respond please be aware that before you preach the LDS Church position about homosexuality, I am fully aware of it. Nothing in what I have said contradicts that stance. I know several people that have chosen the homosexual lifestyle. I care for them and respect their personal strength. If anyone were to attack them, in my presence, for their homosexual decision I would be the strongest of advocates for understanding and tolerance of them. Yet, I also would not invite them to preach their beliefs among others who did not embrace homosexuality.
Thats just stupid. Reynold's wasn't going to preach about homosexuality.
You might as well have ignored Winston Churchill's warnings about Germany because he was an alcoholic.
The Stupid Party. At least we're not The Evil Party. There's that...
I have been married for almost twenty years.
During that time, we have produced (and raised) three children.
During that time, I'm fairly certain that my wife and I have had marital relations more than three times.
By your reckoning, I am - what? - a licentious libertine utterly without values? A sodomite? A pervert?
Like you, I've known and I know many gay people. Never once have I met one who chose to be gay.
The Republican Party - of which I am a member - would do far better casting aside the bigots such as yourself than by reviling people who are homosexual.
@ Utah GOP: Do Acheson & Co even know what Instapundit is? Because if not, your leadership is handicapping you and should be replaced.
I'm confused. Prof. Reynolds must be the "the folks that should do better" referenced here, but he is a law professor, author, and blogger. Not a journalist.
Also, clearly the miscommunication is between Acheson and Kirkham, and Acheson should be apologizing to the professor, not blaming him. "Do better at confirming?" What? He's not supposed to take Kirkham at his word?
Also, hello. This is just some county GOP dinner? And you could have had Glenn Reynolds for free but instead you stick a thumb in his eye? You must have no idea what a great opportunity you just muddled up.
I second everything Fenrisulven said. Stupid GOP.
Should say "I think it's a cautionary tale of how you lead your party and make sure people are on the same page".
Sounds like a problem directly at the top. Nice work Utah GOP.
Some wouldn't come to listen to him. I thought he was funny. I don't always agree with Paul, but that doesn't mean he isn't worth listening to.