Customer Reviews

Party Crasher: A Gay Republican Challenges Politics as Usual

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I found the book fascinating and true. As a gay Republican I found myself identifying with and agreeing with Richard's experiences and opinions. I, of course, will be calling my local Log Cabin chapter. Perhaps the most important aspect of the book for gay readers are the comments about how we need to take the moral high ground. There is a lot of work to be done because as a community we are not particularly concerned with morals and standards. Hopefully, more role models like Mr. Tafel will step forward. As our community grows and as we feel better about ourselves, time-honored principles will become more acceptable for us.

Rich Tafel has done a marvelous job of explaining why "gay Republican" isn't an oxymoron (or shouldn't be). This is a fast-read (I read it in one sitting) and provocative book that effectively skewers both the gay Democratic left and the homophobic Republican right. This book is a must-read especially for fellow Republicans who would be well served by heeding Tafel's libertarian ideals which served the basis for the rise of the Republican party in the first place.

Finally, we have a fresh look at the gay political movement -- past, present and future. Tafel traces developments over the past several decades and refreshingly reveals the conservative/libertarian roots of the struggle for gay civil rights. He convincingly illuminates and rejects the blatant Leftist revisionism that has played such a large role in many gay peoples' perceptions of their own history and the lessons to be drawn from it. Dispensing with this ideologically driven mythology, permits a fresh perspective on where to turn now; on how to affect positive change; and on which arguments, tactics and strategies have hope of success; and which decidely do not. This book will anger many in the gay political establishment from "center" to far Left. A more discerning eye will notice that Tafel consistently spreads as much praise as criticism for other activists and organizations. Yet this likely will be lost in the hysteria that inevitably results from a strong and principled challenge to the common wisdom. Put most simply, if read widely, this book truly has the potential to shake things up politically in the gay community in a much needed way. It also has great potential cross over appeal to non-gay readers. Here's hoping that it reaches the widest possible audience!

Richard Tafel, the head of the Log Cabin Republicans tells his story, and while doing so breaks the stereotypical image we all have of a gay political activist.

He confronts issues of intolerance while standing firm on his principals. He is not a Democrat. He does not advocate "special rights" for homosexuals. He does not ask for anyone's sympathy.

Mr. Tafel's goal is to pose one question and have it answered -> "How do we treat people who are different?" This is one of the many important themes of the book.

Tafel's vision of an inclusive Republican Party and equal rights for all Americans should reassure us all that there are still heros that are fighting for what is right.

Party Crasher tells a story of politics different from what we are used to hearing. The author relates stories of his personal experiences and examins their greater significance. He explains the gay movement in America today and identifies the culture as being trapped by its own dependency. He describes the threat posed by a gay movement that focusses only on a single political party -- the Democratic Party. He warns that such a strategy has already lead to Democrats taking the gay vote for granted. Party Crasher justifies the necessity of working with Republicans by pointing to recent accomplishments by Richard Tafel's organization, Log Cabin Republicans. Gay or Straight, Republican or Democrat, this book speaks to those hungry for political "shop-talk," and leaves us all wanting seconds.

A worthy read and eye-opening book, Party Crasher leaves the reader with many thoughts about the gay liberal left and the radical right. You should send this book to every single Republican, Republican leader, and congressman you know.

Rich Tafel's book does not only tell about the need of bipartisanship to fight for our constitutional rights, it reveal that the most important cornerstone of our struggle lies in having morals and values. That we must believe in ourselves and our alienable rights, and have a healthy empathy for those who oppose us. Bottom line, it is not enough to win the politicians' heart, we must win the people's heart.

Tafel does an excellent job of providing personal stories of himself as well as others on how each of them struggle to come to term with their sexuality and their politics. He also illustrate the need of belonging and a sense of purpose that so many in the gay community need.

Party Crasher is a must read, especially those on the left fringe of the gay community.

Mr. Tafel's willingness to stand firm in his principles and focus on educating versus demonizing makes him one of the true leaders in the gay and lesbian community and in the republican party. I was deeply inspired by his book and consider it a must read for any thinking gay person or student of leadership in general.

"PARTY Crasher" is more than just the experiences of Rich Tafel, it is the reality of being different for those choosing not to follow the path of least resistance. It demonstrates how the desire to "challenge politics as usual" can be a positive force in creating change. The book is a must for anyone willing to tread where others dare not or for those looking into what actually drives the inspired.

Mr. Tafel's book, "Party Crasher" is the perfect book for someone like myself who loves politics.

Mr. Tafel cleaverly has titled the sections of his book, "Life, Liberty, and The Pursuit of Happiness." It's very creative, and also very relevant.

I may not have agreed with Mr. Tafel's politics at some points, but I literally could not put the book down.