Appeal to Hate--and Decency

We don’t know whether Rep. Bobbi Fiedler’s staff did or did not try to get state Sen. Ed Davis out of the Republican senatorial race, so we will withhold comment on that--at least for now. But there was another matter involving Davis last week that should not go unnoted. Davis, the former Los Angeles police chief, denounced the thinly veiled campaign of hate against homosexuals being waged by his fellow Republican and senatorial opponent, Rep. William E. Dannemeyer. For months now, Dannemeyer has used the tragic AIDS epidemic to fan the flames of anti-gay bigotry that still exist in these generally enlightened times, and Davis called him to task for it.

Dannemeyer wails about public health, but his real message is to stop homosexuals--whatever that means--whom he views as unworthy of equal treatment with the majority.

Dannemeyer’s appeal is to people’s basest fears and ignorance, an unworthy mantle for a public official. Far from benefiting public health, Dannemeyer is helping to promote the hysteria over AIDS that knowledgeable officials seek to prevent.

It is remarkable that Ed Davis, of all people, would become one of the gay community’s staunchest Republican friends. He voted for the gay-rights bill in 1984, which was vetoed by Gov. George Deukmejian, and he has spoken out on behalf of gay political causes. Though his record as police chief gave little clue to his future views, Davis’ change of heart shows that even the Bill Dannemeyers of the world might one day see the light.

The political effect of Davis’ denunciation of Dannemeyer is hard to measure (as is the effect of the Fiedler episode). In a crowded primary field, will Davis gain more Republican voters than he loses? He should. His appeal to decency, common sense and equal treatment for all places him far above Dannemeyer’s appeal to hatred.