When Will Dumb Hicks Get Out of Politics?

Dear Readers,

I don't really give a shit at this point in our country's history if people view me as a "liberal elite," because these are the same people that value not teaching evolution in schools, and therefore should not be allowed to run for public office. But there is another news story (one of hundreds in the past month - don't get me started on Birthers or Death Panels) that is just a perfect example of why I'm sick of ignorant, religious people in this country.

Gov. Mark Sanford of S.C. is in NO position to be criticizing potential replacements for his position, let alone in the personal sexuality department, but what disgusts me is that people think he is starting a "smear campaign" against his potential predecessor - Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer - of being gay. And? And is therefore not fit to run? What is that?!

The news broke this week when a Sanford's camp referenced a blog, popular for outing conservative politicians (love that premise, btw), that wrote up Andre Bauer, confirming stories from men who have had "relations" with him. Regardless of someone being outed, it seems only in the socially-retarded Deep South that this would be considered a reason someone is unfit to hold public office.

The most painful part of this story? Republican State Sen. Jake Knotts, an ally of Bauer's, came to his defense with this reprehensible quote:

"I have known Andre since he was eight years old," Knotts told CNN. "Ain't a homosexual bone in his body. That boy is a good boy. It's a just an attempt to prevent Andre from become governor."

Firstly, "Ain't" Jake? Really? You're a State Senator for Chrissake. Secondly, you defend him like someone called him a child pornographer, protesting that no, no, he really is a good boy! You can be gay and be good. Although you Christians, ever the neighbor-loving tolerant folk that you are, sure make it hard for gays to live their own lives without a fight. Finally, you are not helping the eventual situation of when Bauer is formally outed (because, let's face it, he probs is gay) by saying that such an accusation is reasonable grounds to prevent him from assuming the position of governor.

It makes me wish the government did have death panels, I'd sign up to oversee a few of them myself. I'm looking at you, Michele Bachmann.

Bowtie,

Bowtie