George W. Bush in Newsweek

On Civil Rights: No gay adoptions; but listens to gay GOP group

Bush invited us, a dozen gay Republicans, after he'd refused to meet with a gay Republican group that criticized him. Bush didn't like everything we had to say. I was struck with his lack of familiarity with the issues, as well as by his desire to learn.

Bush admitted that, growing up in Texas, he had not been as open to elements of America's diverse culture. He had a narrow set of friends and a firm set of traditions. But he was surprised and dismayed to hear that people saw him as intolerant. "What have I said that sent that signal?" he asked repeatedly.

He assured us he would hire gays who both were qualified and shared his political views. When one of us talked about his lesbian sister and her partner adopting children, he acknowledged his often-stated belief that gays should not adopt.

Though Bush was attentive--and does show a willingness to hear all sides--I don't think we changed his positions. He still opposes gay marriage and opposes classifying crimes against gays as hate crimes.

Source: Former Congressman Steve Gunderson, Newsweek, p. 43 Apr 24, 2000

On Technology: Extend Internet sales tax ban; but wary of Main St. losses

Bush and his fellow governors fear that a mass migration of retail commerce to cyberspace could decimate Main Street - and drain state treasuries of sales tax revenue. At first the governor said his next move would depend on the recommendations by the [bipartisan commission which is studying what to do about Internet sales taxes, due in April 2000]. Now he says he wants to extend the ban for "several" years. Source: Newsweek, p. 31 Dec 20, 1999

The above quotations are from Columns and news articles in Newsweek magazine. Click here for other excerpts from Columns and news articles in Newsweek magazine. Click here for other excerpts by George W. Bush. Click here for a profile of George W. Bush.
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