Nothing could be finer than outing closeted homosexual Republicans in Carolina...
September 4, 2009 11:34 AM Subscribe
Senator Jake Knotts claims that embattled South Carolina governor Mark Sanford is the one spreading rumors that Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer is a closeted homosexual. Now blogactive journalist Mike Rogers (of Outrage fame) adds credibility to the rumors.
One guy's a repeat philanderer who flees to another country without notice to cheat on his wife, making up outrageous stories about what he's doing until he's eventually cornered on it, and appears to only feel bad about getting caught and doesn't seem to realize the gravity of his irresponsibility to his office. I'm unclear on why anybody should consider him to have the moral high ground just because the other guy might be gay.
posted by ardgedee at 11:39 AM on September 4, 2009 [10 favorites]
posted by ardgedee at 11:39 AM on September 4, 2009 [10 favorites]
*snort* Oh, Sanford says it's true? Well, he's never lied to us before.
posted by graventy at 11:40 AM on September 4, 2009 [4 favorites]
posted by graventy at 11:40 AM on September 4, 2009 [4 favorites]
Because at least he's not gay.
Hey, I don't agree with the logic, but that's the logic.
posted by Astro Zombie at 11:41 AM on September 4, 2009
Hey, I don't agree with the logic, but that's the logic.
posted by Astro Zombie at 11:41 AM on September 4, 2009
*Shrugs*
He just hikes a different trail.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 11:41 AM on September 4, 2009 [27 favorites]
He just hikes a different trail.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 11:41 AM on September 4, 2009 [27 favorites]
Oh, Republicans. When will you ever learn that it doesn't matter what sex the person you're fucking is?
posted by kldickson at 11:41 AM on September 4, 2009 [6 favorites]
posted by kldickson at 11:41 AM on September 4, 2009 [6 favorites]
I'm unclear on why anybody should consider him to have the moral high ground just because the other guy might be gay.
How's this:
"A conservative Christian, he supported an amendment to ban gay marriage in the state..."
posted by hermitosis at 11:41 AM on September 4, 2009 [6 favorites]
How's this:
"A conservative Christian, he supported an amendment to ban gay marriage in the state..."
posted by hermitosis at 11:41 AM on September 4, 2009 [6 favorites]
Once again, everyone, there are no bisexuals. "I know he's gay because I had sex with him" from a man makes as little sense as "I know he's straight because I had sex with him" from a woman.
Not that SC would be so quick to embrace a bisexual governor, but I'm disappointed in Mike Rogers.
posted by Sidhedevil at 11:42 AM on September 4, 2009 [4 favorites]
Not that SC would be so quick to embrace a bisexual governor, but I'm disappointed in Mike Rogers.
posted by Sidhedevil at 11:42 AM on September 4, 2009 [4 favorites]
Wait until you hear the crazy rumour going around about Glenn Beck.
posted by GuyZero at 11:43 AM on September 4, 2009 [22 favorites]
posted by GuyZero at 11:43 AM on September 4, 2009 [22 favorites]
There's nothing wrong with being gay. Thus, people who call this an "attack" or "character assassination" are playing into the hands of the conservative element, the same criminals who benefit from spreading this kind of fear and hate in the first place.
I totally agree with you that there's nothing wrong with being gay, but such a thing certainly is an attack and character assassination. The thing is, it's still an allegation that a person has not been fully honest with the public, or had something to hide. If that person had previously said negative things, it becomes an allegation of hypocrisy.
Often, the "outing" isn't about shaming them for being gay, it's all about the hypocrisy. That, and revealing that "being gay" is normal even in conservative strongholds is in the long-term interest of equality.
posted by explosion at 11:45 AM on September 4, 2009
I totally agree with you that there's nothing wrong with being gay, but such a thing certainly is an attack and character assassination. The thing is, it's still an allegation that a person has not been fully honest with the public, or had something to hide. If that person had previously said negative things, it becomes an allegation of hypocrisy.
Often, the "outing" isn't about shaming them for being gay, it's all about the hypocrisy. That, and revealing that "being gay" is normal even in conservative strongholds is in the long-term interest of equality.
posted by explosion at 11:45 AM on September 4, 2009
Senator Jake Knotts claims that embattled South Carolina governor Mark Sanford is the one spreading rumors that Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer is a closeted homosexual.
*sigh* am I the only one dismayed that this doesn't sound any different from a bunch of junior high school girls gossiping that "Omigod guys, I totally just found out that it was Lucy who was the one going around and telling everyone that Nina was eating her boogers!"
"Nuh-uh! I heard that Ginger just said that it was Lucy who made that up about Nina because Ginger got mad at Lucy for stealing her pencil!"
"Yuh-huh, because Ginger has a better pencil anyway and she doesn't care what Lucy does, and anyway it was Becky who told me!"
"Omigod, wait -- didn't Becky say that Lucy was snobby because Lucy hangs out with Shaniqua? Becky must have totally made that up."
...Mind you, I'm not saying that hermitosis is being gossipy here in posting this -- I'm accusing the congress members themselves of being gossipy for actually calling an entire press release together to say "so and so was the one to say such and such about so and so".
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 11:45 AM on September 4, 2009 [2 favorites]
*sigh* am I the only one dismayed that this doesn't sound any different from a bunch of junior high school girls gossiping that "Omigod guys, I totally just found out that it was Lucy who was the one going around and telling everyone that Nina was eating her boogers!"
"Nuh-uh! I heard that Ginger just said that it was Lucy who made that up about Nina because Ginger got mad at Lucy for stealing her pencil!"
"Yuh-huh, because Ginger has a better pencil anyway and she doesn't care what Lucy does, and anyway it was Becky who told me!"
"Omigod, wait -- didn't Becky say that Lucy was snobby because Lucy hangs out with Shaniqua? Becky must have totally made that up."
...Mind you, I'm not saying that hermitosis is being gossipy here in posting this -- I'm accusing the congress members themselves of being gossipy for actually calling an entire press release together to say "so and so was the one to say such and such about so and so".
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 11:45 AM on September 4, 2009 [2 favorites]
There's nothing wrong with being gay.
In certain quarters in South Carolina there is.
posted by blucevalo at 11:46 AM on September 4, 2009 [1 favorite]
In certain quarters in South Carolina there is.
posted by blucevalo at 11:46 AM on September 4, 2009 [1 favorite]
There's nothing wrong with being gay. Thus, people who call this an "attack" or "character assassination" are playing into the hands of the conservative element, the same criminals who benefit from spreading this kind of fear and hate in the first place.
That's just silly. I agree that there is nothing wrong with being gay, but the accusation is meant as an attack, reflecting a worldview that obviously disagrees. To pretend that this is not an attack does not address the problem - it merely ignores it.
There's nothing wrong with being Jewish. If I was present when someone accused a third-party of being very Jewish as a way to imply that he/she was very cheap or stingy, I'd be outraged. I hope you would too. See, it's a double insult. Not only are they trying to smear someone, they're also expressing bigotry and enveloping their target in the whole mess.
In this instance, the accusation is not a clarification, nor a statement of fact. It's a way to diminish an individual in the eyes of the community by pejoratively labeling them, true or not. To stand strong against homophobia, one should not pretend this isn't an attack. Instead, we should say that nobody has the right to out anyone else, that false accusations of homosexuality in this manner are a reflection of bigotry, that nobody should have to defend their sexual orientation to the public, and that if the person is gay, that's none of our business.
posted by allen.spaulding at 11:46 AM on September 4, 2009 [7 favorites]
That's just silly. I agree that there is nothing wrong with being gay, but the accusation is meant as an attack, reflecting a worldview that obviously disagrees. To pretend that this is not an attack does not address the problem - it merely ignores it.
There's nothing wrong with being Jewish. If I was present when someone accused a third-party of being very Jewish as a way to imply that he/she was very cheap or stingy, I'd be outraged. I hope you would too. See, it's a double insult. Not only are they trying to smear someone, they're also expressing bigotry and enveloping their target in the whole mess.
In this instance, the accusation is not a clarification, nor a statement of fact. It's a way to diminish an individual in the eyes of the community by pejoratively labeling them, true or not. To stand strong against homophobia, one should not pretend this isn't an attack. Instead, we should say that nobody has the right to out anyone else, that false accusations of homosexuality in this manner are a reflection of bigotry, that nobody should have to defend their sexual orientation to the public, and that if the person is gay, that's none of our business.
posted by allen.spaulding at 11:46 AM on September 4, 2009 [7 favorites]
Oh, Sanford says it's true? Well, he's never lied to us before.
If it is substantiated by Rogers' own research, it seems likely Bauer is just another hypocritical social conservative (among many). If Bauer votes to take away people's rights on the basis of sexuality, he can suffer the consequences along with his victims. Tough nuts.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 11:47 AM on September 4, 2009 [2 favorites]
If it is substantiated by Rogers' own research, it seems likely Bauer is just another hypocritical social conservative (among many). If Bauer votes to take away people's rights on the basis of sexuality, he can suffer the consequences along with his victims. Tough nuts.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 11:47 AM on September 4, 2009 [2 favorites]
This is a much funnier South Carolina political scandal. At least it wasn't fan fiction.
posted by dortmunder at 11:48 AM on September 4, 2009 [3 favorites]
posted by dortmunder at 11:48 AM on September 4, 2009 [3 favorites]
Wait until you hear the crazy rumour going around about Glenn Beck.
I heard it. There's no way Glenn Beck is a Mormon.
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 11:48 AM on September 4, 2009 [1 favorite]
I heard it. There's no way Glenn Beck is a Mormon.
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 11:48 AM on September 4, 2009 [1 favorite]
if the person is gay, that's none of our business
He's made it our business, if he's involved with legislation that affects gay people.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 11:49 AM on September 4, 2009 [5 favorites]
He's made it our business, if he's involved with legislation that affects gay people.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 11:49 AM on September 4, 2009 [5 favorites]
I'm all for supporting the cause, but the thought of bedding one of those blandly-coiffed, closeted Republican rising stars would be enough to bring back my gag reflex. Sorry, Mike Rogers!
posted by xingcat at 11:54 AM on September 4, 2009
posted by xingcat at 11:54 AM on September 4, 2009
The governor is spreading rumors about the Lt Gov? Presumably both Republicans? I assume the Democrats are poised to exploit this rift. (Because they are always johnny-on-the-spot with the preparation.)
posted by DU at 11:54 AM on September 4, 2009 [3 favorites]
posted by DU at 11:54 AM on September 4, 2009 [3 favorites]
To stand strong against homophobia, one should not pretend this isn't an attack. Instead, we should say that nobody has the right to out anyone else, that false accusations of homosexuality in this manner are a reflection of bigotry, that nobody should have to defend their sexual orientation to the public, and that if the person is gay, that's none of our business.
Sure, "we" should say those things, but who would say them in this context, and why? Who is this "one" and "we" that you are referring to? Politicians in Columbia are not going to say any of the things that you assert, even if they're the most liberal politicians that South Carolina has to offer. Standing up and saying these things around a conference table on K Street is one thing. Saying them in Columbia is quite a different matter.
posted by blucevalo at 11:59 AM on September 4, 2009
Sure, "we" should say those things, but who would say them in this context, and why? Who is this "one" and "we" that you are referring to? Politicians in Columbia are not going to say any of the things that you assert, even if they're the most liberal politicians that South Carolina has to offer. Standing up and saying these things around a conference table on K Street is one thing. Saying them in Columbia is quite a different matter.
posted by blucevalo at 11:59 AM on September 4, 2009
Let's not derail, please. There is always some crazy rumour going around about Glenn Beck. He creates half of them himself just to play the 'I'm persecuted' card. And also in the hope that when the Real Ugly Truth comes out, it'll get lost among the untruths.
posted by wendell at 11:59 AM on September 4, 2009 [2 favorites]
posted by wendell at 11:59 AM on September 4, 2009 [2 favorites]
That's okay, people, I understand. If I was stuck at work on a Friday before a holiday weekend, I probably wouldn't click and read the links either.
posted by hermitosis at 12:10 PM on September 4, 2009 [2 favorites]
posted by hermitosis at 12:10 PM on September 4, 2009 [2 favorites]
South Carolina's Governor.
South Carolina's Lt. Governor.
South Carolina's Treasurer.
South Carolina's Board of Education Chairwoman.
Hi America. We're South Carolina and we like to get high and fuck.
posted by ND¢ at 12:13 PM on September 4, 2009 [7 favorites]
South Carolina's Lt. Governor.
South Carolina's Treasurer.
South Carolina's Board of Education Chairwoman.
Hi America. We're South Carolina and we like to get high and fuck.
posted by ND¢ at 12:13 PM on September 4, 2009 [7 favorites]
I'm starting to feel that here in SC we don't have politics so much as a Punch and Judy show and all I can do is sit in the audience and laugh and try to forget these ugly puppets are actually making decisions that affect my health, my job and my life in general.
posted by 1f2frfbf at 12:14 PM on September 4, 2009 [3 favorites]
posted by 1f2frfbf at 12:14 PM on September 4, 2009 [3 favorites]
Hi America. We're South Carolina and we like to get high and fuck.
Uh, see you later, Chicago.
*books flight*
posted by adamdschneider at 12:26 PM on September 4, 2009 [4 favorites]
Uh, see you later, Chicago.
*books flight*
posted by adamdschneider at 12:26 PM on September 4, 2009 [4 favorites]
From the last link:
A South Carolina state senator says none other than Gov. Mark Sanford (R) is behind rumors that Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer is gay.
next paragraph:
In a letter to South Carolina legislators, a prominent state senator Thursday said Gov. Mark Sanford's supporters were behind recent Internet rumors that Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer is gay.
I sure am getting sick of this sort of casual, un-remarked upon manipulation of facts that seems increasingly de rigeur for the punching up of content.
posted by nanojath at 12:27 PM on September 4, 2009
A South Carolina state senator says none other than Gov. Mark Sanford (R) is behind rumors that Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer is gay.
next paragraph:
In a letter to South Carolina legislators, a prominent state senator Thursday said Gov. Mark Sanford's supporters were behind recent Internet rumors that Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer is gay.
I sure am getting sick of this sort of casual, un-remarked upon manipulation of facts that seems increasingly de rigeur for the punching up of content.
posted by nanojath at 12:27 PM on September 4, 2009
This sounds like one of those stories where everyone's an asshole.
posted by electroboy at 12:34 PM on September 4, 2009 [4 favorites]
posted by electroboy at 12:34 PM on September 4, 2009 [4 favorites]
Sanford has no business still holding office. He's the governor of a state of several million people, and he just up and leaves for 5 days without telling anyone where he's going and why? Regardless of what he did or planned to do on the trip, the fact that he had the bad judgment to take such a trip is grounds for removal from the office of governor. I don't care what he did down there, the fact that he went in that manner is enough.
posted by Mister_A at 12:35 PM on September 4, 2009 [4 favorites]
posted by Mister_A at 12:35 PM on September 4, 2009 [4 favorites]
Just to be clear, there is no evidence that Mark Sanford or his supporters are spreading these rumors. A State Senator named Jake Knotts wrote a letter claiming that Sanford was behind the rumors, and should be impeached as a result, but you have to believe that Mike Rogers is a puppet of Sanford for that to make sense.
Knotts went on: I have known Andre since he was eight years old. Ain’t a homosexual bone in his body. Apparently he has checked.
posted by msalt at 12:40 PM on September 4, 2009
Knotts went on: I have known Andre since he was eight years old. Ain’t a homosexual bone in his body. Apparently he has checked.
posted by msalt at 12:40 PM on September 4, 2009
Mister_A, let's not forget his misappropriation of state funds to go on his little get-aways with his mistress.
posted by Pollomacho at 12:44 PM on September 4, 2009
posted by Pollomacho at 12:44 PM on September 4, 2009
There's no way Glenn Beck is a Mormon.
I know he's Mormon because I exchanged marriage vows with him in the Temple.
posted by pokermonk at 12:45 PM on September 4, 2009
I know he's Mormon because I exchanged marriage vows with him in the Temple.
posted by pokermonk at 12:45 PM on September 4, 2009
I have known Andre since he was eight years old. Ain’t a homosexual bone in his body.
He's as straight as the children locked in Glen Beck's crawlspace!
posted by Pollomacho at 12:49 PM on September 4, 2009 [1 favorite]
He's as straight as the children locked in Glen Beck's crawlspace!
posted by Pollomacho at 12:49 PM on September 4, 2009 [1 favorite]
What Glenn Beck rumor? I haven't heard any rumors about Glenn Beck cutting up animals and masturbating over the corpses, or Glenn Beck lounging around the pool in an evening dress and crotchless panties, or Glenn Beck hanging himself by a belt from his doorknob to increase his sexual excitement, or Glenn Beck creating a scrapbook of his favorite photos from Boy's Life.
posted by Rat Spatula at 12:49 PM on September 4, 2009 [4 favorites]
posted by Rat Spatula at 12:49 PM on September 4, 2009 [4 favorites]
he just up and leaves for 5 days without telling anyone where he's going and why?
Exploration.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 12:50 PM on September 4, 2009
Exploration.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 12:50 PM on September 4, 2009
See, here's the thing. Jake Knotts hates Sanford with the fire of a thousand suns, so I believe what's coming from him about this Andre thing about as much as I believe that gay marriage will be legal in SC in the next year.
They're all big sacks of shit, either way.
posted by chiababe at 12:59 PM on September 4, 2009 [1 favorite]
They're all big sacks of shit, either way.
posted by chiababe at 12:59 PM on September 4, 2009 [1 favorite]
This sounds like one of those stories where everyone's an asshole.
Welcome to South Carolina politics.
posted by ND¢ at 1:00 PM on September 4, 2009
Welcome to South Carolina politics.
posted by ND¢ at 1:00 PM on September 4, 2009
I think this picture has been re-captioned, or maybe it bore a slightly different caption in the print edition. I recall the caption beneath the picture as "Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, seen here in his elegant downtown condominium ..." It seemed like a not-too-subtle dig by The State when I first read the story.
We're South Carolina and we like to get high and fuck.
Here's what happened when they decided to cut loose ...
posted by octobersurprise at 1:01 PM on September 4, 2009
We're South Carolina and we like to get high and fuck.
Here's what happened when they decided to cut loose ...
posted by octobersurprise at 1:01 PM on September 4, 2009
Once you, as a state government or populous, let someone get away with what Mark Sanford has gotten away with and remained in power, you *zero* authority to even suggest that a sex scandal matters to you.
South Carolina - You don't give a rat's ass about whether a sex scandal makes someone fit for office, so drop the fake outrage.
posted by y6y6y6 at 1:01 PM on September 4, 2009 [2 favorites]
South Carolina - You don't give a rat's ass about whether a sex scandal makes someone fit for office, so drop the fake outrage.
posted by y6y6y6 at 1:01 PM on September 4, 2009 [2 favorites]
Oh, man... I found it... I heart that site...
posted by Rat Spatula at 1:01 PM on September 4, 2009
posted by Rat Spatula at 1:01 PM on September 4, 2009
Jake Knotts hates Sanford with the fire of a thousand suns
Indeed. There's something almost pure and holy about the heat of Jakey's hatred of the Luv Guv.
(I heard Glenn Beck likes to put the lotion on his skin.)
posted by octobersurprise at 1:08 PM on September 4, 2009
Indeed. There's something almost pure and holy about the heat of Jakey's hatred of the Luv Guv.
(I heard Glenn Beck likes to put the lotion on his skin.)
posted by octobersurprise at 1:08 PM on September 4, 2009
Is it just me, or are politics just a lot funnier in the States these days? This story is laugh out loud funny.
posted by msali at 1:10 PM on September 4, 2009
posted by msali at 1:10 PM on September 4, 2009
South Carolina - You don't give a rat's ass about whether a sex scandal makes someone fit for office, so drop the fake outrage.
Please do not confuse the inaction of our witless politicians with the unending embarrassment of the folks who actually live here and who are getting increasingly fed up with this ongoing mess. If we'd have known it was going to end like this we'd have never elected the braindead bunch of... Oh who am I kidding, it's a republic, we listened, we followed and we got what we deserve.
To paraphrase Randy Newman: they may be fools, but they're our fools, and we put them there.
posted by 1f2frfbf at 1:12 PM on September 4, 2009 [2 favorites]
Please do not confuse the inaction of our witless politicians with the unending embarrassment of the folks who actually live here and who are getting increasingly fed up with this ongoing mess. If we'd have known it was going to end like this we'd have never elected the braindead bunch of... Oh who am I kidding, it's a republic, we listened, we followed and we got what we deserve.
To paraphrase Randy Newman: they may be fools, but they're our fools, and we put them there.
posted by 1f2frfbf at 1:12 PM on September 4, 2009 [2 favorites]
Jake Knotts is a good ol' boy in every sense of the word. Sanford is a low country, former investment banker, Libertarian. Both of them are assholes, but I know which kind of asshole I prefer.
Apparently so does Andre!
posted by ND¢ at 1:12 PM on September 4, 2009
Apparently so does Andre!
posted by ND¢ at 1:12 PM on September 4, 2009
Is Glenn Beck a real citizen? Has he shown his birth certificate? How many wives does he have and how old are they?
posted by Postroad at 1:20 PM on September 4, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by Postroad at 1:20 PM on September 4, 2009 [1 favorite]
Ain’t a homosexual bone in his body.
We'll find out later that this was instrumental. Apparently the following conversation took place in a public restroom:
Man: Do you have a homosexual bone in your body?
Andre: No
Man: Would you like one?
Bow-chika-wow-wow.
posted by ob at 1:23 PM on September 4, 2009 [10 favorites]
We'll find out later that this was instrumental. Apparently the following conversation took place in a public restroom:
Man: Do you have a homosexual bone in your body?
Andre: No
Man: Would you like one?
Bow-chika-wow-wow.
posted by ob at 1:23 PM on September 4, 2009 [10 favorites]
I recall the caption beneath the picture as "Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, seen here in his elegant downtown condominium ..." It seemed like a not-too-subtle dig by The State when I first read the story.
Well, to be fair, the condo is elegant, but it's not très elegant.
posted by blucevalo at 1:27 PM on September 4, 2009
Well, to be fair, the condo is elegant, but it's not très elegant.
posted by blucevalo at 1:27 PM on September 4, 2009
There's nothing wrong with being gay. Thus, people who call this an "attack" or "character assassination" are playing into the hands of the conservative element, the same criminals who benefit from spreading this kind of fear and hate in the first place.
There's nothing wrong with being a Muslim or a socialist, either. That doesn't mean the people who claim Barack Obama is one or the other or both aren't trying to smear him.
posted by EarBucket at 1:27 PM on September 4, 2009 [1 favorite]
There's nothing wrong with being a Muslim or a socialist, either. That doesn't mean the people who claim Barack Obama is one or the other or both aren't trying to smear him.
posted by EarBucket at 1:27 PM on September 4, 2009 [1 favorite]
South Carolina makes Georgia look so good.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 1:37 PM on September 4, 2009
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 1:37 PM on September 4, 2009
"blogactive" sounds like yogurt that makes you poop.
posted by lattiboy at 1:47 PM on September 4, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by lattiboy at 1:47 PM on September 4, 2009 [1 favorite]
I'm all for people reaping what they sow, and if Bauer is gay and has voted against gay rights, then he should certainly be noted as a hypocrite (I'm not familiar enough with him to know if either of these things are true so I use the weasel term "if").
But I eagerly await the day that someone tries to use this kind of tactic and gets the most unexpected of responses: "So?"
"John is gay!"
"So?"
"...Wait, so you're admitting that he's gay?"
"No, I'm just saying 'who cares?'"
"But, but... the gays! They do stuff to each other... Perverted stuff."
"You sure seem to spend a lot of time thinking about it. What's up with that?"
"...Shut up."
The only reason this tactic continues to work, is that people react in a way that makes things like "gay" and "Muslim" and "socialist" seem like evils that need to be avoided, when a better response would be a nice and solid "meh."
posted by quin at 1:51 PM on September 4, 2009
But I eagerly await the day that someone tries to use this kind of tactic and gets the most unexpected of responses: "So?"
"John is gay!"
"So?"
"...Wait, so you're admitting that he's gay?"
"No, I'm just saying 'who cares?'"
"But, but... the gays! They do stuff to each other... Perverted stuff."
"You sure seem to spend a lot of time thinking about it. What's up with that?"
"...Shut up."
The only reason this tactic continues to work, is that people react in a way that makes things like "gay" and "Muslim" and "socialist" seem like evils that need to be avoided, when a better response would be a nice and solid "meh."
posted by quin at 1:51 PM on September 4, 2009
Who cares is he is gay? The important thing is his Emmy-winning portrayal of Frank Pembleton on Homicide: he was the moral core of that show.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 1:54 PM on September 4, 2009 [9 favorites]
posted by ricochet biscuit at 1:54 PM on September 4, 2009 [9 favorites]
Haha! Thanks for this ... *stops to wipe tear of joy and hilarity from eye*; I lived in SC a long, looooong time ago, and I have to say I love this. Politicians and other movers and shakers in that state are just demented... like, "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil"-demented. I lived in Louisiana, too, and LA just didn't stack up - bald faced, unbridled corruption, mafia henchmen, JFK assassination conspiracies, and Grand Wizards of the KKK elected to the House of Representatives notwithstanding. Sordid, yes...but lacking that special panache. It's just a special flavor of barbecue-zany in SC, a whole 'nother level.
posted by taz at 1:56 PM on September 4, 2009
posted by taz at 1:56 PM on September 4, 2009
In fact, if you want to see this trick in action, just look at Glenn Beck's fans acting completely indifferent to the revelations of what he did to that girl twenty years ago.
posted by quin at 1:56 PM on September 4, 2009
posted by quin at 1:56 PM on September 4, 2009
Also, love the tag: soutcarolina. That's either brilliant, or one of the best typos ever.
posted by taz at 1:58 PM on September 4, 2009
posted by taz at 1:58 PM on September 4, 2009
I assume the Democrats are poised to exploit this rift. (Because they are always johnny-on-the-spot with the preparation.)
The Preparation H?
posted by PeterMcDermott at 1:59 PM on September 4, 2009
The Preparation H?
posted by PeterMcDermott at 1:59 PM on September 4, 2009
South Carolina makes Georgia look so good.
It's true. We should pool some money and send them a thank you note and a nice fruit basket.
posted by dortmunder at 2:01 PM on September 4, 2009 [1 favorite]
It's true. We should pool some money and send them a thank you note and a nice fruit basket.
posted by dortmunder at 2:01 PM on September 4, 2009 [1 favorite]
Well, I'll make the same point that came up when we last had this discussion over the movie Outrage. The issue isn't just, "LOL, conservative Republican is gay/has an affair/solicits prostitution." The issue is that these guys are using the power that comes with conservative politics to build themselves a comfy little closets in which other people do the work of maintaining the illusion. It's not about sexuality or sexual orientation, it's about the cover-up.
And of course, the MSM are in on the act when they report on how Sanford and Edwards used their privilege to carry out their affairs, while considering same-sex affairs executed with similar privilege a "private matter."
posted by KirkJobSluder at 2:05 PM on September 4, 2009 [2 favorites]
And of course, the MSM are in on the act when they report on how Sanford and Edwards used their privilege to carry out their affairs, while considering same-sex affairs executed with similar privilege a "private matter."
posted by KirkJobSluder at 2:05 PM on September 4, 2009 [2 favorites]
Someone should ask Sanford when he stopped cheating on his wife and absconding to South America! Ha! That would really put the shoe on the other-
Oh, right.
posted by Mister_A at 2:06 PM on September 4, 2009
Oh, right.
posted by Mister_A at 2:06 PM on September 4, 2009
Oh, Republicans. When will you ever learn that it doesn't matter what sex the person you're fucking is?
Well now, that depends on how much you paid and what your expectations were.
posted by UseyurBrain at 2:24 PM on September 4, 2009 [1 favorite]
Well now, that depends on how much you paid and what your expectations were.
posted by UseyurBrain at 2:24 PM on September 4, 2009 [1 favorite]
The only reason this tactic continues to work, is that people react in a way that makes things like "gay" and "Muslim" and "socialist" seem like evils that need to be avoided, when a better response would be a nice and solid "meh."
The people who voted for this guy are more likely to think that homosexuality is an evil to be avoided, so why would they respond with "meh"? Your comment would make sense if people were lobbing this accusation at, say, Al Franken, since his supporters are unlikely to care very much whether he's gay or not. There'd be no point in outing him.
posted by desjardins at 2:52 PM on September 4, 2009
The people who voted for this guy are more likely to think that homosexuality is an evil to be avoided, so why would they respond with "meh"? Your comment would make sense if people were lobbing this accusation at, say, Al Franken, since his supporters are unlikely to care very much whether he's gay or not. There'd be no point in outing him.
posted by desjardins at 2:52 PM on September 4, 2009
The people who voted for this guy are more likely to think that homosexuality is an evil to be avoided, so why would they respond with "meh"?
They wouldn't. But I'd like to imagine that if everyone else collectively did it, the power to use things like this in a pejorative manner would be diminished. It's difficult to get a frantic talking-point traction when the reaction people have is "Yeah, and..?"
But then, I live in a world of unicorns and rainbows, so take what I imagine with a big grain of salt.
posted by quin at 3:35 PM on September 4, 2009
They wouldn't. But I'd like to imagine that if everyone else collectively did it, the power to use things like this in a pejorative manner would be diminished. It's difficult to get a frantic talking-point traction when the reaction people have is "Yeah, and..?"
But then, I live in a world of unicorns and rainbows, so take what I imagine with a big grain of salt.
posted by quin at 3:35 PM on September 4, 2009
But then, I live in a world of unicorns and rainbows
which is why I'm totally moving back to Wisconsin
Anyway, "everyone else" IS collectively saying "meh." I don't give a shit if this guy is gay. You don't. I doubt anyone posting in this thread really cares who he sleeps with. By definition, the only ones who view it as an attack on his character are those who think being homosexual makes you of lower character.
"Should he be outed?" is a different question than "OMG is he gay?" and I think it's perfectly consistent to say "yes, he's a hypocrite" to the first and "meh, I don't care" to the second.
The Glenn Beck thing is a whole different ball of wax, firstly because no one on either side actually believes that he raped and killed a young girl in 1990, and secondly, killing and raping are viewed as indisputably wrong by pretty much everyone, whereas homosexuality is only viewed as sinful by some.
posted by desjardins at 3:46 PM on September 4, 2009
which is why I'm totally moving back to Wisconsin
Anyway, "everyone else" IS collectively saying "meh." I don't give a shit if this guy is gay. You don't. I doubt anyone posting in this thread really cares who he sleeps with. By definition, the only ones who view it as an attack on his character are those who think being homosexual makes you of lower character.
"Should he be outed?" is a different question than "OMG is he gay?" and I think it's perfectly consistent to say "yes, he's a hypocrite" to the first and "meh, I don't care" to the second.
The Glenn Beck thing is a whole different ball of wax, firstly because no one on either side actually believes that he raped and killed a young girl in 1990, and secondly, killing and raping are viewed as indisputably wrong by pretty much everyone, whereas homosexuality is only viewed as sinful by some.
posted by desjardins at 3:46 PM on September 4, 2009
Wait. You are saying the Glenn Beck DIDN'T rape and murder a young girl in 1990? If that is true, why hasn't he stepped forward to discredit the charges?
posted by hippybear at 3:59 PM on September 4, 2009
posted by hippybear at 3:59 PM on September 4, 2009
I heard Glenn Beck likes to dress up like a Nazi and have his picture taken.
posted by Lentrohamsanin at 5:58 PM on September 4, 2009
posted by Lentrohamsanin at 5:58 PM on September 4, 2009
You know WHO ELSE...nah, too easy.
posted by Sidhedevil at 6:26 PM on September 4, 2009
posted by Sidhedevil at 6:26 PM on September 4, 2009
I'm with hippybear, desjardins. I'm afraid I'm hopelessly confused as to whether Glenn Beck raped and murdered a young girl in 1990, and until Glenn Beck can produce evidence exculpating him from the rape and murder of a young girl in 1990, I don't think anyone can honestly deny the possibility that Glenn Beck raped and murdered a young girl in 1990.
Also, it saddens me to learn that so many of the gays are Republicans. I thought y'all were on our side.
posted by Rat Spatula at 8:36 PM on September 4, 2009
Also, it saddens me to learn that so many of the gays are Republicans. I thought y'all were on our side.
posted by Rat Spatula at 8:36 PM on September 4, 2009
"I have known Andre since he was eight years old. Ain’t a homosexual bone in his body."
MEGA-LULZ.
That said, Republican men sure do love thick, veiny cocks, don't they?
And there's nothing wrong with that.
posted by bardic at 11:02 PM on September 4, 2009
MEGA-LULZ.
That said, Republican men sure do love thick, veiny cocks, don't they?
And there's nothing wrong with that.
posted by bardic at 11:02 PM on September 4, 2009
Why is it that the Republicans seem to have more out-there sex lives than Democrats? I mean, seriously, it's always a Republican that's found dead hanging in a closet wearing two wetsuits with a dildo up his anus.
posted by kldickson at 10:42 AM on September 5, 2009
posted by kldickson at 10:42 AM on September 5, 2009
kldickson: Why is it that the Republicans seem to have more out-there sex lives than Democrats? I mean, seriously, it's always a Republican that's found dead hanging in a closet wearing two wetsuits with a dildo up his anus.
I have two theories:
A. It isn't as fun when you're allowed to do it.
B. They got it out of their system when they were younger.
posted by Mitrovarr at 12:18 PM on September 5, 2009
I have two theories:
A. It isn't as fun when you're allowed to do it.
B. They got it out of their system when they were younger.
posted by Mitrovarr at 12:18 PM on September 5, 2009
Um.
Lemme get this straight, so to speak.
State Senator Jake Knotts is verifiably spreading a rumour that Gov Mark Sanford and/or his supporter(s) has/have allegedly been spreading a rumour that Lt Gov Andre Bauer is allegedly a closeted homosexual; ardent outing enthusiast Mike Rogers allegedly believes this to be true because some unnamed somebodies who allegedly exist allegedly claimed to have allegedly had sex with Lt Gov Andre Bauer and/or allegedly witnessed and/or allegedly heard about Bauer allegedly spending "hours alone with men in hotel rooms."
You don't say!
posted by Sys Rq at 5:19 PM on September 5, 2009
Lemme get this straight, so to speak.
State Senator Jake Knotts is verifiably spreading a rumour that Gov Mark Sanford and/or his supporter(s) has/have allegedly been spreading a rumour that Lt Gov Andre Bauer is allegedly a closeted homosexual; ardent outing enthusiast Mike Rogers allegedly believes this to be true because some unnamed somebodies who allegedly exist allegedly claimed to have allegedly had sex with Lt Gov Andre Bauer and/or allegedly witnessed and/or allegedly heard about Bauer allegedly spending "hours alone with men in hotel rooms."
You don't say!
posted by Sys Rq at 5:19 PM on September 5, 2009
"Oh, Republicans...When will you ever learn that it doesn't matter what sex the person you're f*cking is?
Clearly you've never been to South Carolina, friend.
posted by WhySharksMatter at 10:42 PM on September 5, 2009
Clearly you've never been to South Carolina, friend.
posted by WhySharksMatter at 10:42 PM on September 5, 2009
This post gets its facts in the wrong order. Discuss in the grey.
posted by joeclark at 10:12 AM on September 7, 2009
posted by joeclark at 10:12 AM on September 7, 2009
If I was present when someone accused a third-party of being very Jewish as a way to imply that he/she was very cheap or stingy, I'd be outraged.
Me too. They'd clearly be overlooking the fact that Jews are, uniformly, excellent cooks and lovers.
posted by Deathalicious at 10:23 AM on September 7, 2009
Me too. They'd clearly be overlooking the fact that Jews are, uniformly, excellent cooks and lovers.
posted by Deathalicious at 10:23 AM on September 7, 2009
Here's joeclark's corrected chronology, which makes more sense to discuss here rather than in a new MeTa thread:
Hence what really happened is, in the following specific order:
1. Rogers reported that an anti-gay politician was actually gay
2. A few media outlets picked it up, but most didn’t
3. A politician accused another politician of “spreading rumours”; Senator Knotts wrote a letter (PDF) that claimed “Sanford associates” fed Rogers information, i.e., Sanford associates made the claim first, Rogers second
4. Mainstream media picked up on that as though it were the true sequence of events
5. Hermitosis’s MetaFilter post recapitulated this incorrect sequence of events, incorrectly stating Rogers “add[ed] credibility to the rumours” (i.e. discussed the topic post-facto)
hermitosis thanked him for the correction.
posted by mediareport at 2:07 PM on September 7, 2009 [1 favorite]
Hence what really happened is, in the following specific order:
1. Rogers reported that an anti-gay politician was actually gay
2. A few media outlets picked it up, but most didn’t
3. A politician accused another politician of “spreading rumours”; Senator Knotts wrote a letter (PDF) that claimed “Sanford associates” fed Rogers information, i.e., Sanford associates made the claim first, Rogers second
4. Mainstream media picked up on that as though it were the true sequence of events
5. Hermitosis’s MetaFilter post recapitulated this incorrect sequence of events, incorrectly stating Rogers “add[ed] credibility to the rumours” (i.e. discussed the topic post-facto)
hermitosis thanked him for the correction.
posted by mediareport at 2:07 PM on September 7, 2009 [1 favorite]
Ah. That makes more sense.
It's still an awfully big pile of unverified gossip, though.
posted by Sys Rq at 2:17 PM on September 7, 2009
It's still an awfully big pile of unverified gossip, though.
posted by Sys Rq at 2:17 PM on September 7, 2009
Well, I find Rogers convincing. He's doing everything he can to collect first-hand reports from people he trusts before going public. We have to decide if *we* trust his judgment of his sources, but so far I haven't regretted trusting him like that and I doubt I'll regret it this time either.
posted by mediareport at 2:35 PM on September 7, 2009
posted by mediareport at 2:35 PM on September 7, 2009
« Older The images of 9 0 0 0 | Vulture Culture Newer »
This thread has been archived and is closed to new comments
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 11:38 AM on September 4, 2009 [9 favorites]