Black, gay AND voting DA!. Samantha, you don’t seem to understand what being a liberal means. The American definition of “liberal” is what the rest of the world calls “social democratic” which is what the Labour Party also is. If those are the parties you identify with, then you are not really a liberal, although you may be semi-liberal.

The DA is a party for all South Africans from every background, community and socio-economic status. I’ll bet you haven’t even read the DA’s manifesto to see what its proposals are for improving the lives of the poor.

You may want to ask your COPE leaders why they REALLY formed the party. If they are honest with you, you’ll find that THEY are motivated by advancing the interests of the few, i.e. Mbeki’s cronies and inner circle favourites who were ousted at Polokwane.

Your ad. Jabba – Thanks for responding to my comment. I may not agree with you but you’re welcome to your opinion. My vote is my choice and if you’re trying to get me to switch to the DA – you’re going about it the wrong way by attacking me and my friends for not supporting your party of choice. Live and let live – we’re COPEing and standing up to defend the constitution which inlcudes the sexual orientation clause! COPE is my choice and voice – you’re welcome to vote as you wish. Lots of love, Sam.

Ironically I liked the ACDP when it first started out, although its radical fundamentalism has over time become a scary reality of Christian conservatism designed to hide intolerance and inconsistency. Love the sinner not the sin, has to be one of the greatest betrayals of principles ever. A politically correct form of expounding hatred for others.

COPE is not an option for me…….its a splinter of the ANC founded on ex-Mbeki loyalists. I did not like the ANC under Mbeki, and cannot endorse a party founded on its (the ANC’s) failings. These men and women were in government, responsible for many of the policies we have inherited, and thus have an inheritance in the damage caused. A new name does not hide a multiplicity of wrongs.

Alas it is only the DA, and then with some reluctance.

Disagree!. COPE has many members who were in government under Mbeki. They like him are responsible for a government that become in my opinion intolerant of different opinions, and almost belligerent to the public’s demand for change (look at Manto’s continued support under Mbeki and his cabinet members). When ousted Mbeki naively asked, “why did no-one disagree and challenge me when in office?” Perhaps this is one of the most politically naive, but telling questions ever……precisely, why did these men and women not resist those policies and mandates that we have now come to regret. COPE is not an option for me.

I trust you will receive my opinion from whence it has come. Genuine concern and respect for your opinion and choice.

Your response – Declarre. Thanks for the reponse. Your’e perfectly entitled to you opinion. Moreover, you’re welcome to vote for whomever you wish to do so – it’s a hard fought for democratic right which I treasure since neither myself nor my mom or dad was allowed to vote or have any say in government prior to ’94. I’ve indicated my choice and I’m happy with it. I suppose we will have to wait for the 23rd to see what the results are and who emerges as the official opposition. Take care and lots of love, Sam

I did do my own research in the end and my choice wouldn’t have been changed by this article, but I’m sure there are others out there who would have these opinions enlightening.