They're coming for our jobs.
February 18, 2012 8:48 AM Subscribe
Arizona's Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu, a Republican border-security hawk and a leading candidate for Congress has been accused, along with his attorney, of threatening to deport a Mexican former lover when the man refused to agree to not disclose the relationship.
Babeu is an ally of Sheriff Joe Arpaio, also having exonerated Arpaio of wrongdoing in a recent investigation for corruption, while alleging some of Arpaio's top aides were guilty of mismanagement and misconduct. Babeu is also on record suggesting that DOJ chief Eric Holder has perjured himself because Holder's top aides knew about the gun-walking scandal known as "Fast and Furious", while Holder claims he knew nothing of it.
Babeu is an ally of Sheriff Joe Arpaio, also having exonerated Arpaio of wrongdoing in a recent investigation for corruption, while alleging some of Arpaio's top aides were guilty of mismanagement and misconduct. Babeu is also on record suggesting that DOJ chief Eric Holder has perjured himself because Holder's top aides knew about the gun-walking scandal known as "Fast and Furious", while Holder claims he knew nothing of it.
I grew up in Pinal County and my dad still lives there. It's still the Wild West in so many ways. I'd love to say this sort of ugliness is the exception (and to be sure, there are plenty of incredibly beautiful, peace-loving, open-minded people there) but when it comes to figures of authority, it's very much the rule.
posted by hermitosis at 8:54 AM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by hermitosis at 8:54 AM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
Damen Mexicans taking all our bald, beaky corrupt crypto fascist closet cases!
posted by The Whelk at 8:54 AM on February 18, 2012 [34 favorites]
posted by The Whelk at 8:54 AM on February 18, 2012 [34 favorites]
This is SO so good.
posted by ReeMonster at 8:57 AM on February 18, 2012 [6 favorites]
posted by ReeMonster at 8:57 AM on February 18, 2012 [6 favorites]
You have to wonder at the naivety here - if it's true, did he really think it would never come out? Not that it should matter if he's gay, but unfortunately it does. If that's really him in the picture on the gay dating site, c'mon man, that tattoo is fairly recognisable if nothing else.
posted by GallonOfAlan at 8:58 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by GallonOfAlan at 8:58 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
I was wise to invest in schadenfraude futures.
posted by Sticherbeast at 8:59 AM on February 18, 2012 [85 favorites]
posted by Sticherbeast at 8:59 AM on February 18, 2012 [85 favorites]
And, in other hypocrisy-related news: Conservative Talk Radio Host Michael Berry Was Definitely At That Gay Bar in Houston.
posted by ericb at 9:01 AM on February 18, 2012 [12 favorites]
posted by ericb at 9:01 AM on February 18, 2012 [12 favorites]
OMG. If i NEVER see another 'Celtic' 'Tribal' tattoo it wil be too soon.
posted by sexyrobot at 9:03 AM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by sexyrobot at 9:03 AM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
"Sheriff Babeu has also been fearless in his pursuit of those who abuse the public trust."
BWAHAHAHAH!
posted by ericb at 9:06 AM on February 18, 2012 [3 favorites]
BWAHAHAHAH!
posted by ericb at 9:06 AM on February 18, 2012 [3 favorites]
Being a gay Republican is such a weird experience. On the one hand, you have these strongly felt convictions and you belong to a political party which shares your convictions, and on the other hand that same political party (and virtually it's entire base) believes that you are vaguely sub-human.
I tend to think that the extreme feelings of both belonging and rejection tend to cause erratic behaviors like this ... and above all some highly irrational thinking. I would never run for office (even as a Democrat) and assume that my sexual orientation would never be an issue. The level of self-deception that Babeu is operating under is immense, and probably mandatory for most gay Republicans.
posted by Avenger at 9:10 AM on February 18, 2012 [18 favorites]
I tend to think that the extreme feelings of both belonging and rejection tend to cause erratic behaviors like this ... and above all some highly irrational thinking. I would never run for office (even as a Democrat) and assume that my sexual orientation would never be an issue. The level of self-deception that Babeu is operating under is immense, and probably mandatory for most gay Republicans.
posted by Avenger at 9:10 AM on February 18, 2012 [18 favorites]
I tend to think that the extreme feelings of both belonging and rejection tend to cause erratic behaviors like this
Well if we're just more republican than Republicans then they have to like us, right? right?
posted by The Whelk at 9:12 AM on February 18, 2012 [8 favorites]
Babeu in the "Build the Dang Fence" campaign ad for John McCain.
posted by darkstar at 9:14 AM on February 18, 2012 [4 favorites]
posted by darkstar at 9:14 AM on February 18, 2012 [4 favorites]
"Our gays are better than their gays," perhaps?
For gallows humour if nothing else!
posted by clarknova at 9:17 AM on February 18, 2012
For gallows humour if nothing else!
posted by clarknova at 9:17 AM on February 18, 2012
"Our gays know their place is to constantly vying for our approval and policing each other in hopes we might condescend to them one day!"
The mentality reminds me a lot of the "Cleveland" chapter of States Of Desire actually
posted by The Whelk at 9:19 AM on February 18, 2012 [8 favorites]
The mentality reminds me a lot of the "Cleveland" chapter of States Of Desire actually
posted by The Whelk at 9:19 AM on February 18, 2012 [8 favorites]
Being a gay Republican is such a weird experience.
I would imagine that it's a weird experience for women, blacks, and Hispanics to be Republican, too.
Lately, I would imagine it's a weird experience for any sentient beings.
posted by madamjujujive at 9:31 AM on February 18, 2012 [52 favorites]
I would imagine that it's a weird experience for women, blacks, and Hispanics to be Republican, too.
Lately, I would imagine it's a weird experience for any sentient beings.
posted by madamjujujive at 9:31 AM on February 18, 2012 [52 favorites]
Never trust someone who so desperately wants the approval of people who hate them.
posted by rtha at 9:36 AM on February 18, 2012 [21 favorites]
posted by rtha at 9:36 AM on February 18, 2012 [21 favorites]
Man, is this the plot for a Coen Bros. film, or what??
posted by Skygazer at 9:39 AM on February 18, 2012 [16 favorites]
posted by Skygazer at 9:39 AM on February 18, 2012 [16 favorites]
"Our gays know their place is to constantly vying for our approval and policing each other in hopes we might condescend to them one day!"
I think this is the case for Republican women too.
posted by hermitosis at 9:39 AM on February 18, 2012
I think this is the case for Republican women too.
posted by hermitosis at 9:39 AM on February 18, 2012
RTHA: Never trust someone who so desperately wants the approval of people who hate them.
Mitt Romney fits much too well into that category and it would explain the contempt he evokes from the knuckle-dragger set in the GOP.
posted by Skygazer at 9:40 AM on February 18, 2012 [3 favorites]
Mitt Romney fits much too well into that category and it would explain the contempt he evokes from the knuckle-dragger set in the GOP.
posted by Skygazer at 9:40 AM on February 18, 2012 [3 favorites]
Being a gay Republican is such a weird experience.
Every time I read about a gay Republican, I think, "Man, I hope I never want lower taxes that badly."
posted by PlusDistance at 9:40 AM on February 18, 2012 [30 favorites]
Every time I read about a gay Republican, I think, "Man, I hope I never want lower taxes that badly."
posted by PlusDistance at 9:40 AM on February 18, 2012 [30 favorites]
Str8 acting.
Is it considered polite to mention that you're a full-on liar in a personals ad?
posted by jsavimbi at 9:42 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
Is it considered polite to mention that you're a full-on liar in a personals ad?
posted by jsavimbi at 9:42 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
str8 acting professional is gay personal ad for "I will never introduce you to my parents" and "you must make at least as much as I do."
posted by The Whelk at 9:47 AM on February 18, 2012 [28 favorites]
posted by The Whelk at 9:47 AM on February 18, 2012 [28 favorites]
The level of self-deception that Babeu is operating under is immense, and probably mandatory for most gay Republicans.
It's self-deception, but it's more complicated and more elaborate than that. It's also compartmentalization, collusion, and controlling information. The more time and energy you spend living the double life, the harder it gets to keep all the various people that need at all costs not to know that you're gay from finding out. And it was my experience that the energy that you spend trying to convince people that you're not gay is a waste of time because someone you're close to is going to figure it out eventually no matter how great a job you think you're doing hiding it. That was true for me 20-25 years ago and it's 1000 times truer now in a time when almost anything you do is far more open to public scrutiny.
There are probably some people who are protected and/or powerful enough to be able to live that life without consequences (except to their own peace of mind), but for the most part, it doesn't pay in the long run.
And it's tempting to think so, but it's not only closeted gay Republicans who are still living the double life.
posted by blucevalo at 9:47 AM on February 18, 2012 [10 favorites]
It's self-deception, but it's more complicated and more elaborate than that. It's also compartmentalization, collusion, and controlling information. The more time and energy you spend living the double life, the harder it gets to keep all the various people that need at all costs not to know that you're gay from finding out. And it was my experience that the energy that you spend trying to convince people that you're not gay is a waste of time because someone you're close to is going to figure it out eventually no matter how great a job you think you're doing hiding it. That was true for me 20-25 years ago and it's 1000 times truer now in a time when almost anything you do is far more open to public scrutiny.
There are probably some people who are protected and/or powerful enough to be able to live that life without consequences (except to their own peace of mind), but for the most part, it doesn't pay in the long run.
And it's tempting to think so, but it's not only closeted gay Republicans who are still living the double life.
posted by blucevalo at 9:47 AM on February 18, 2012 [10 favorites]
Also, and I know of this from personal experience, some people for whom the second life is the whole freaking sexual point. It wouldn't be "fun" without sneaking around and "getting one over on the rubes". It's such a gross philosophy.
posted by The Whelk at 9:49 AM on February 18, 2012 [6 favorites]
posted by The Whelk at 9:49 AM on February 18, 2012 [6 favorites]
Being a gay Republican is such a weird experience.
I would imagine that it's a weird experience for women, blacks, and Hispanics to be Republican, too.
Yeah, I seriously cannot imagine sinking to such depths of incredible self-loathing.
posted by elizardbits at 9:50 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
I would imagine that it's a weird experience for women, blacks, and Hispanics to be Republican, too.
Yeah, I seriously cannot imagine sinking to such depths of incredible self-loathing.
posted by elizardbits at 9:50 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
Babeu being gay is one of those open secrets that a lot of people in Pinal knew about already. It was expected that one of his primary challengers in the congressional race, Ron Gould (a "family values" sort, ugh) was going to make his sexual orientation a big issue. But no one had any idea whatsoever this bomb was coming down the pike.
posted by azpenguin at 9:51 AM on February 18, 2012 [4 favorites]
posted by azpenguin at 9:51 AM on February 18, 2012 [4 favorites]
Oh man, we get two or three of these holidays a year nowdays. I always love "hypocritical Republican pol gets outed and career imolation" days!
posted by T.D. Strange at 9:51 AM on February 18, 2012 [4 favorites]
posted by T.D. Strange at 9:51 AM on February 18, 2012 [4 favorites]
Yeah, I seriously cannot imagine sinking to such depths of incredible self-loathing.
"I may be superficially THEM (gay/Hispanic/woman) but I'm not faggy/lazy/slutty, I am BETTER, a REAL AMERICAN, so I can shit on my own all I want."
posted by The Whelk at 9:54 AM on February 18, 2012 [6 favorites]
"I may be superficially THEM (gay/Hispanic/woman) but I'm not faggy/lazy/slutty, I am BETTER, a REAL AMERICAN, so I can shit on my own all I want."
posted by The Whelk at 9:54 AM on February 18, 2012 [6 favorites]
From darkstar's post: Babeu says, "Senator, you're one of us" To John McCain.
LOL.
I am flabbergasted, way beyond capacity, by so much of what happens these days, and Arizona is especially in that zone.
posted by Goofyy at 9:55 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
LOL.
I am flabbergasted, way beyond capacity, by so much of what happens these days, and Arizona is especially in that zone.
posted by Goofyy at 9:55 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
H8 acting
posted by Meatbomb at 9:59 AM on February 18, 2012 [24 favorites]
posted by Meatbomb at 9:59 AM on February 18, 2012 [24 favorites]
border-security hawk
Taken completely out of context, that's a pretty cool idea.
posted by distressingly thick sheets at 10:03 AM on February 18, 2012 [17 favorites]
Taken completely out of context, that's a pretty cool idea.
posted by distressingly thick sheets at 10:03 AM on February 18, 2012 [17 favorites]
Go Arizona! Wait... didn't I just say that a few threads ago. Man... this place is crazy. 'Course, it's gonna be 70 degrees today... so... uhh... whatever?
posted by ph00dz at 10:07 AM on February 18, 2012
posted by ph00dz at 10:07 AM on February 18, 2012
It's not like anyone foresaw SB1070 being abused by law enforcement for this sort of thing, but honestly I thought there would be all sorts of sexual exploitation of Mexican women being threatened with termination or deportation for themselves or their fathers and brothers, by employers, co-workers, or anyone really who's low enough to do that.
But THIS is what happens when you create a de facto lower class or second-class "pseudo citizenry" of sorts.
This scumbag here, and his lawyer should be thrown in jail for fucking ever, just for being a huge douchebag and hypocrite.
So this Sheriff was good friends with Arpaio, eh?? Ooops.
posted by Skygazer at 10:09 AM on February 18, 2012 [9 favorites]
But THIS is what happens when you create a de facto lower class or second-class "pseudo citizenry" of sorts.
This scumbag here, and his lawyer should be thrown in jail for fucking ever, just for being a huge douchebag and hypocrite.
So this Sheriff was good friends with Arpaio, eh?? Ooops.
posted by Skygazer at 10:09 AM on February 18, 2012 [9 favorites]
I fucking hate sexual politics. Anthony Weiner and Chris Lee should have had jokes thrown at them mercilessly for a week until we collectively got our giggles out.
I wish this was going to be more about using public power for personal gain but this is all going to be lolgay again.
posted by munchingzombie at 10:11 AM on February 18, 2012
I wish this was going to be more about using public power for personal gain but this is all going to be lolgay again.
posted by munchingzombie at 10:11 AM on February 18, 2012
Babeu will hold a press conference at 12:30 today to discuss this, apparently.
posted by univac at 10:11 AM on February 18, 2012
posted by univac at 10:11 AM on February 18, 2012
Str8 acting.
Is it considered polite to mention that you're a full-on liar in a personals ad?
posted by jsavimbi at 9:42 AM on February 18 [+] [!]
Yeah, I was going to say (although The Whelk said it better, as usual) that "str8 acting" doesn't actually mean that he's straight or passing himself off as such. The modern gay world is FILLED with men who identify as straight/masculine (as opposed to gay/feminine) and would never dream of identifying themselves as gay.
A lot of them have families, wives, girlfriends, etc. A lot of them are involved in church, sports, right-wing politics and so forth. "Str8" is just a way of saying "I live two lives: one where I'm a a father, a Christian, a Republican, a respected, upstanding member of the community and the other where I take hot loads down my throat in a truck-stop bathroom".
posted by Avenger at 10:13 AM on February 18, 2012 [9 favorites]
Is it considered polite to mention that you're a full-on liar in a personals ad?
posted by jsavimbi at 9:42 AM on February 18 [+] [!]
Yeah, I was going to say (although The Whelk said it better, as usual) that "str8 acting" doesn't actually mean that he's straight or passing himself off as such. The modern gay world is FILLED with men who identify as straight/masculine (as opposed to gay/feminine) and would never dream of identifying themselves as gay.
A lot of them have families, wives, girlfriends, etc. A lot of them are involved in church, sports, right-wing politics and so forth. "Str8" is just a way of saying "I live two lives: one where I'm a a father, a Christian, a Republican, a respected, upstanding member of the community and the other where I take hot loads down my throat in a truck-stop bathroom".
posted by Avenger at 10:13 AM on February 18, 2012 [9 favorites]
"studboi1"?
I wonder how many already-taken screenname choices he went through before coming up with THAT original moniker.
posted by hippybear at 10:14 AM on February 18, 2012 [3 favorites]
I wonder how many already-taken screenname choices he went through before coming up with THAT original moniker.
posted by hippybear at 10:14 AM on February 18, 2012 [3 favorites]
I have an idea for a remake of Bladerunner...
posted by ennui.bz at 10:28 AM on February 18, 2012 [3 favorites]
posted by ennui.bz at 10:28 AM on February 18, 2012 [3 favorites]
This is supposed to test if I'm a Replicant or a lesbian Mexican Mr. Deckard?
posted by The Whelk at 10:30 AM on February 18, 2012 [6 favorites]
posted by The Whelk at 10:30 AM on February 18, 2012 [6 favorites]
What a terrible way to go through life. Not only self-loathing, but actively rallying allies to hate you MORE.
posted by LordSludge at 10:53 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by LordSludge at 10:53 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
Maybe this is old news, but there has been a groundswell in fringe-right circles to champion sheriffs as defenders of the constitution against the percieved tresspasses of the federal government. I dug into it a bit awhile back, and IIRC the thinking is that Sheriffs essentially answer to no one. It all seemed to be in gold-fringed flag territory, but Babeu and Arpaio seem like the embodiment of that notion, and I wouldn't be surprised if we see more "activist sheriffs" especially where the politics swing right enough to support them.
posted by werkzeuger at 10:56 AM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by werkzeuger at 10:56 AM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
I have an idea for a remake of Bladerunner...
posted by ennui.bz at 1:28 PM on February 18 [+] [!]
Hmm..I didn't make the Blade Runner connection, but it must've unconsciously been in the backround informing my belief that SB 1070 was going to lead to all sorts of sexual abuse of women without papers...
Thanks for helping me realize that.
That PKD. He's infiltrated my subconscious.
Sweet.
posted by Skygazer at 10:59 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by ennui.bz at 1:28 PM on February 18 [+] [!]
Hmm..I didn't make the Blade Runner connection, but it must've unconsciously been in the backround informing my belief that SB 1070 was going to lead to all sorts of sexual abuse of women without papers...
Thanks for helping me realize that.
That PKD. He's infiltrated my subconscious.
Sweet.
posted by Skygazer at 10:59 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
werkzeuger, I think you're on to something. In fact, there are plans in the AZ legislature right now to create a "State Guard" to patrol the border, formed of a volunteer posse, that would not be subject to the same kind of nationalization that the National Guard is susceptible to. The point would be to force the Governor to do an end-run around the National Guard and the Feds in order to put a border patrol in the field that is answerable only to the Governor and responsive only to the state's view of the US Constitution.
The sheriffs already have volunteer posses that act pretty much without oversight beyond the county sheriff level. There have been a number of those guys that have been engaged in Sheriff Joe's immigrant harassment sweeps.
posted by darkstar at 11:07 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
The sheriffs already have volunteer posses that act pretty much without oversight beyond the county sheriff level. There have been a number of those guys that have been engaged in Sheriff Joe's immigrant harassment sweeps.
posted by darkstar at 11:07 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
we have to do whatever it takes to protect Arizona's endangered population of elderly white cowards.
posted by The Whelk at 11:09 AM on February 18, 2012 [14 favorites]
posted by The Whelk at 11:09 AM on February 18, 2012 [14 favorites]
border-security hawk
Taken completely out of context, that's a pretty cool idea.
I was pondering this. One of the strategic things the US has going for it is its isolation from warlike enemies in Eurasia. The real threat is a more numerous, powerful Mexico some decades down the line (no offence to Canadians).
So strategically y'all should be working to develop and aid Mexico to be a rich, successful, strong state and good neighbour. Then the border will be as threatening and difficult to defend as your border with Canada. Mexico has a far smaller border to the south, so the whole problem becomes much easier to handle.
posted by alasdair at 11:12 AM on February 18, 2012 [7 favorites]
Taken completely out of context, that's a pretty cool idea.
I was pondering this. One of the strategic things the US has going for it is its isolation from warlike enemies in Eurasia. The real threat is a more numerous, powerful Mexico some decades down the line (no offence to Canadians).
So strategically y'all should be working to develop and aid Mexico to be a rich, successful, strong state and good neighbour. Then the border will be as threatening and difficult to defend as your border with Canada. Mexico has a far smaller border to the south, so the whole problem becomes much easier to handle.
posted by alasdair at 11:12 AM on February 18, 2012 [7 favorites]
...there are plans in the AZ legislature right now to create a "State Guard" to patrol the border, formed of a volunteer posse, that would not be subject to the same kind of nationalization that the National Guard is susceptible to...
Depending on their numbers and how well they're armed, that's some scary shit right there. Like, Civil War II scary.
posted by werkzeuger at 11:14 AM on February 18, 2012 [4 favorites]
Depending on their numbers and how well they're armed, that's some scary shit right there. Like, Civil War II scary.
posted by werkzeuger at 11:14 AM on February 18, 2012 [4 favorites]
I don't know. I've known some Canadians in my time, and I don't trust em one bit. They come over the border with their weird speech (some even speak French! Like in France!!) and hockey pucks...and I really wish Obama would do something about it...
posted by Skygazer at 11:18 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by Skygazer at 11:18 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
1. Babeu a few days ago at the uber-conservative circle-jerk CPAC.
2. Babeu today steps down as Romney volunteer. He was expected to serve as Romney's Co-Cahair in AZ.
3. Live feed of Babeu's press conference in 15 minutes (12:30pm local time, 2:30pm Eastern).
posted by darkstar at 11:18 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
2. Babeu today steps down as Romney volunteer. He was expected to serve as Romney's Co-Cahair in AZ.
3. Live feed of Babeu's press conference in 15 minutes (12:30pm local time, 2:30pm Eastern).
posted by darkstar at 11:18 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
Never trust someone who so desperately wants the approval of people who hate them.
I don't see it this way. I think they're merely passing along the hate that is historically directed at gays, just replace "faggot" with "terrorist" and you're 80% there. It's kind of an Uncle Tom thing.
posted by rhizome at 11:26 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
I don't see it this way. I think they're merely passing along the hate that is historically directed at gays, just replace "faggot" with "terrorist" and you're 80% there. It's kind of an Uncle Tom thing.
posted by rhizome at 11:26 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
I'm liveblogging Arizona's Unexpected Coming Out Day, 2012
posted by Avenger at 11:29 AM on February 18, 2012 [7 favorites]
posted by Avenger at 11:29 AM on February 18, 2012 [7 favorites]
Ooh, pre-roll footage with reflections in glass doors! Lady struggling to place local news mic on podium!
posted by cortex at 11:29 AM on February 18, 2012
posted by cortex at 11:29 AM on February 18, 2012
Also, Live 12 News is squashing a wide frame into a 4:3 aspect ratio video embed here. Hrmm.
posted by cortex at 11:31 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by cortex at 11:31 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
I want this to be True and Not True in about equal measure.
Feeling like my entire world is staring into a snow globe is getting exhausting.
posted by Cyrano at 11:31 AM on February 18, 2012
Feeling like my entire world is staring into a snow globe is getting exhausting.
posted by Cyrano at 11:31 AM on February 18, 2012
"and in a surprise announcement from the Gay Community, Sheriff Paul Babeu is no longer welcome in their ranks. He is only authorized to have sex with other republicans. Failure to follow these guidelines and produce papers during a sexual encounter will result in immediate deportation to K-Mart"
posted by The Whelk at 11:32 AM on February 18, 2012 [10 favorites]
posted by The Whelk at 11:32 AM on February 18, 2012 [10 favorites]
Any bets on whether he's going for "defiant and indignant" or "contrite and humble"?
posted by darkstar at 11:32 AM on February 18, 2012
posted by darkstar at 11:32 AM on February 18, 2012
I think they're merely passing along the hate that is historically directed at gays, just replace "faggot" with "terrorist" and you're 80% there. It's kind of an Uncle Tom thing.
I don't think it's either/or. Part of Uncle Tom-ming is wanting the approval of people who sneer at people like you, and you can get that by showing how *not* like Those People you are in part by throwing them under the nearest bus.
posted by rtha at 11:32 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
I don't think it's either/or. Part of Uncle Tom-ming is wanting the approval of people who sneer at people like you, and you can get that by showing how *not* like Those People you are in part by throwing them under the nearest bus.
posted by rtha at 11:32 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
Looks like police officials behind the glass shaking hands, nodding. Almost like a funeral.
posted by Avenger at 11:32 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by Avenger at 11:32 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
He will sorry that you took offense at his actions
posted by The Whelk at 11:32 AM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by The Whelk at 11:32 AM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
SOMEONE is saying something HILARIOUS behind the camera apparently.
posted by The Whelk at 11:33 AM on February 18, 2012
posted by The Whelk at 11:33 AM on February 18, 2012
holy crap those cacti sure are dead. Is that even ... possible?
posted by Avenger at 11:33 AM on February 18, 2012
posted by Avenger at 11:33 AM on February 18, 2012
I vote for "personal matter, and it is dirty that it was brought to the public"
posted by The Whelk at 11:34 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by The Whelk at 11:34 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
so I guess we're now just waiting for him to come out?
posted by The Whelk at 11:35 AM on February 18, 2012 [6 favorites]
posted by The Whelk at 11:35 AM on February 18, 2012 [6 favorites]
I vote for "rambling, incoherent speech on the need for personal space, privacy and a border fence"
posted by Avenger at 11:36 AM on February 18, 2012 [3 favorites]
posted by Avenger at 11:36 AM on February 18, 2012 [3 favorites]
<3 you guys for liveblogging this. I'm just recovering from a long night/morning/afternoon of partying, and this is some rich schadenfreude right here.
And, to repeat a line from Lauren Berlant that she wrote about the Spitzer affair: "Whenever there's a sex scandal, I feel sorry for sex."
posted by LMGM at 11:36 AM on February 18, 2012 [4 favorites]
And, to repeat a line from Lauren Berlant that she wrote about the Spitzer affair: "Whenever there's a sex scandal, I feel sorry for sex."
posted by LMGM at 11:36 AM on February 18, 2012 [4 favorites]
Any bets on whether he's going for "defiant and indignant" or "contrite and humble"?
Depends on what he thinks the real crime here is: Being gay or being a scum-bag who abused the law and threatened to deport a Mexican.
posted by Skygazer at 11:36 AM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
Depends on what he thinks the real crime here is: Being gay or being a scum-bag who abused the law and threatened to deport a Mexican.
posted by Skygazer at 11:36 AM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
Pre-roll's opening was very solid, but it's dragging in the second act. They're pushing the "man walks up to podium and adjusts mic" schtick farther than it can really go. Wide shot of reflection of entire assembled press is aesthetically daring but in practice comes of as not anticipatory but merely static.
The man adjusts a mic again.
Microphone check for ABC 15 suddenly changes the game!
posted by cortex at 11:36 AM on February 18, 2012 [6 favorites]
The man adjusts a mic again.
Microphone check for ABC 15 suddenly changes the game!
posted by cortex at 11:36 AM on February 18, 2012 [6 favorites]
Applause inside, probably gave a pep talk to his comrades.
posted by darkstar at 11:36 AM on February 18, 2012
posted by darkstar at 11:36 AM on February 18, 2012
I'm hoping he comes out in the most stereotypically way-out-of-the closet outfit possible, says "FREE AT LAST!", and runs off to a gay bar.
posted by Flunkie at 11:36 AM on February 18, 2012 [5 favorites]
posted by Flunkie at 11:36 AM on February 18, 2012 [5 favorites]
Perhaps he'll go for light and frisky and relieved.
posted by Skygazer at 11:37 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by Skygazer at 11:37 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
Go time, lines two deep everybody! Joking about using notes. EXTREME CLOSEUP ON THE SHERRIF.
posted by cortex at 11:37 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by cortex at 11:37 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
Deputies and staff all standing behind him supportively.
posted by darkstar at 11:37 AM on February 18, 2012
posted by darkstar at 11:37 AM on February 18, 2012
In other news: Pinal County Sheriff Babeu uses confiscated cash for coins, badges.
posted by ericb at 11:38 AM on February 18, 2012
posted by ericb at 11:38 AM on February 18, 2012
Brought in elected officials and other military pals as supporters, too.
posted by darkstar at 11:38 AM on February 18, 2012
posted by darkstar at 11:38 AM on February 18, 2012
BUDGET JOKE tee hee
posted by polyhedron at 11:38 AM on February 18, 2012
posted by polyhedron at 11:38 AM on February 18, 2012
Is he going to use a teleprompter?
posted by T.D. Strange at 11:38 AM on February 18, 2012
posted by T.D. Strange at 11:38 AM on February 18, 2012
way-out-of-the closet outfit possible
Leather chaps and sheriff's badge pasties, ideally. Maybe some tastefully bedazzled spurs on his hand-stitched snakeskin boots.
posted by elizardbits at 11:38 AM on February 18, 2012 [4 favorites]
Leather chaps and sheriff's badge pasties, ideally. Maybe some tastefully bedazzled spurs on his hand-stitched snakeskin boots.
posted by elizardbits at 11:38 AM on February 18, 2012 [4 favorites]
I am gay
posted by Avenger at 11:39 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by Avenger at 11:39 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
Strained opening joke begets strained nervous laughter.
Everything except for me being gay is false.
posted by cortex at 11:39 AM on February 18, 2012
Everything except for me being gay is false.
posted by cortex at 11:39 AM on February 18, 2012
"I'm here to say that all these allegations are completely false...except for the issues that refer to me being gay. Because that's the truth, I am gay."
posted by darkstar at 11:39 AM on February 18, 2012
posted by darkstar at 11:39 AM on February 18, 2012
as a conservative?
posted by ddaavviidd at 11:39 AM on February 18, 2012
posted by ddaavviidd at 11:39 AM on February 18, 2012
BUT FIRST A LIST OF HOW EFFECTIVE AND MANLY I AM
posted by The Whelk at 11:39 AM on February 18, 2012
posted by The Whelk at 11:39 AM on February 18, 2012
(i mean, republican, haha)
posted by ddaavviidd at 11:40 AM on February 18, 2012
posted by ddaavviidd at 11:40 AM on February 18, 2012
So, what about the allegation that you were dating a Mexican national knowing that his visa was expired? Any inconsistency there, sir?
posted by darkstar at 11:40 AM on February 18, 2012
posted by darkstar at 11:40 AM on February 18, 2012
All I can hear is please please please don't fire me.
posted by The Whelk at 11:40 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by The Whelk at 11:40 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
UM GUY YOU DIVIDED SOMEONE ACCORDING TO NATIONAL ORIGIN
posted by The Whelk at 11:41 AM on February 18, 2012 [4 favorites]
posted by The Whelk at 11:41 AM on February 18, 2012 [4 favorites]
Frontloading department performance and military experience and such is a weird angle to go with. Nobody accused you of not doing that stuff.
posted by cortex at 11:41 AM on February 18, 2012
posted by cortex at 11:41 AM on February 18, 2012
I've never defined myself according to my orientation
posted by Avenger at 11:41 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by Avenger at 11:41 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
It turns out they hate gays LESS than Hispanics.
posted by The Whelk at 11:42 AM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by The Whelk at 11:42 AM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
Dude, there are text messages.
posted by darkstar at 11:42 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by darkstar at 11:42 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
This American Life: "Seattle writer and syndicated sex columnist Dan Savage, on how there's a stigma against sissies even among gay men. Gay personals ads are filled with men who want "straight acting/straight appearing" partners. Girly boys need not apply."
posted by ericb at 11:42 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by ericb at 11:42 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
Well, really, how can you hate such a studly man in uniform?
posted by polyhedron at 11:43 AM on February 18, 2012
posted by polyhedron at 11:43 AM on February 18, 2012
so just flat denial then, plus I am a solider, and am strong
posted by The Whelk at 11:43 AM on February 18, 2012
posted by The Whelk at 11:43 AM on February 18, 2012
I've been threatened for 20+ years
posted by Avenger at 11:43 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by Avenger at 11:43 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
YEAH IT DOESNT FEEL GOOD DOES IT
posted by Avenger at 11:43 AM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by Avenger at 11:43 AM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
Almost as if there's a relief today...to not be threatened [to be exposed]."
posted by darkstar at 11:43 AM on February 18, 2012
posted by darkstar at 11:43 AM on February 18, 2012
FUNNY HOW YOU COULD'VE NOT FELT THREATENED IF YOU SAID SOMETHING BEFORE HAND
posted by The Whelk at 11:43 AM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by The Whelk at 11:43 AM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
Has he also been silenced all his life?
posted by rtha at 11:44 AM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by rtha at 11:44 AM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
It doesn't count as dropping the mic if you don't do it on purpose, man.
posted by cortex at 11:44 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by cortex at 11:44 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
"In a 2006 interview with People magazine, former 'N Sync member Lance Bass referred to himself and his friends as 'straight-acting,' stating, 'I call them the SAGs – the straight-acting gays. We're just normal, typical guys. I love to watch football and drink beer.' After receiving heavy criticism from some in the LGBT community, Bass later stated that he was unaware of the negative implications surrounding the term."*
posted by ericb at 11:44 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by ericb at 11:44 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
Almost like there is relief today....
I WIN!!
Now he just needs to get "light" and "frisky."
posted by Skygazer at 11:44 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
I WIN!!
Now he just needs to get "light" and "frisky."
posted by Skygazer at 11:44 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
It's always the young internet people isn't it?
OH SNAP HE'S JUST A BITTER EX USING THE ARCANE POWERS OF INTERNET
posted by The Whelk at 11:44 AM on February 18, 2012 [3 favorites]
OH SNAP HE'S JUST A BITTER EX USING THE ARCANE POWERS OF INTERNET
posted by The Whelk at 11:44 AM on February 18, 2012 [3 favorites]
IDENTITY THEFT, oh wow it's all Scare Grandma innit?
posted by The Whelk at 11:44 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by The Whelk at 11:44 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
"I don't have the authority to deport anybody."
You bullshitting dissembler. Under SB1070, you sure as hell do have the authority to arrest someone and turn them over for deportation.
posted by darkstar at 11:45 AM on February 18, 2012 [5 favorites]
You bullshitting dissembler. Under SB1070, you sure as hell do have the authority to arrest someone and turn them over for deportation.
posted by darkstar at 11:45 AM on February 18, 2012 [5 favorites]
Ahhh, it's all to malign a conservative sheriff...
posted by darkstar at 11:46 AM on February 18, 2012
posted by darkstar at 11:46 AM on February 18, 2012
HA CALLED IT - "You shouldn't air my dirty laundry! My dirty dealings are personal!"
posted by The Whelk at 11:46 AM on February 18, 2012
posted by The Whelk at 11:46 AM on February 18, 2012
Tonight at 11: Lover of dicks happy to also be one.
posted by jaduncan at 11:46 AM on February 18, 2012 [5 favorites]
posted by jaduncan at 11:46 AM on February 18, 2012 [5 favorites]
So basically, I fucked a guy, it went bad, he got made and took over my twitters.
posted by Avenger at 11:47 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by Avenger at 11:47 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
mad*
posted by Avenger at 11:47 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by Avenger at 11:47 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
Is hotshot Steve Henry, Deputy Sheriff, chewing gum or does he just have that strange macho jaw-tic?
posted by darkstar at 11:47 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by darkstar at 11:47 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
Grizzle? Oh man new Reno 911 episodes sweet.
posted by The Whelk at 11:47 AM on February 18, 2012 [3 favorites]
posted by The Whelk at 11:47 AM on February 18, 2012 [3 favorites]
I'm gonna start spelling my first and last name when introducing myself in all future conversations.
posted by cortex at 11:48 AM on February 18, 2012 [4 favorites]
posted by cortex at 11:48 AM on February 18, 2012 [4 favorites]
Why are we getting testimonials from random d-e-p-u-t-i-e-s?
posted by nooneyouknow at 11:48 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by nooneyouknow at 11:48 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
ACTUALLY WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT IT AM THE VICTIM HERE AND I AM BRAVE
posted by The Whelk at 11:48 AM on February 18, 2012 [3 favorites]
posted by The Whelk at 11:48 AM on February 18, 2012 [3 favorites]
Yes, it's a sideshow that your uberhawkish, anti-immigrant boss has been schtupping an undocumented immigrant and, when the relationship went bad, he not so subtly suggested his ex had better keep it under wraps or he might find himself deported.
All just a sideshow and a smear of a "fantastic leader".
posted by darkstar at 11:49 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
All just a sideshow and a smear of a "fantastic leader".
posted by darkstar at 11:49 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
the Hypocrisy has now become surreal.
posted by The Whelk at 11:49 AM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by The Whelk at 11:49 AM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
Actually we do judge people based on sexual orientation, dude.
posted by Avenger at 11:49 AM on February 18, 2012
posted by Avenger at 11:49 AM on February 18, 2012
Fuck you, Nike guy, for using MLK to defend the sheriff.
posted by nooneyouknow at 11:49 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by nooneyouknow at 11:49 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
"We don't discriminate, except when we make people produce papers if they look brown"
posted by The Whelk at 11:49 AM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by The Whelk at 11:49 AM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
SOME OF MY BEST FRIENDS ARE DEMOCRATS, SEE?
posted by The Whelk at 11:50 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by The Whelk at 11:50 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
It's not adultery, so why do you care?
posted by cortex at 11:51 AM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by cortex at 11:51 AM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
I already have a full bingo card now
posted by The Whelk at 11:51 AM on February 18, 2012 [8 favorites]
posted by The Whelk at 11:51 AM on February 18, 2012 [8 favorites]
Parade of uncomfortable local Republicans pretending to tolerate gays
posted by Avenger at 11:51 AM on February 18, 2012 [11 favorites]
posted by Avenger at 11:51 AM on February 18, 2012 [11 favorites]
There's a whole weird attending-your-own-funeral vibe to this.
posted by cortex at 11:51 AM on February 18, 2012
posted by cortex at 11:51 AM on February 18, 2012
Am I the only one who actually thinks that was a very solid performance that made him seem like a sympathetic figure? I mean, based on the article I think he's a total hypocritical dick, but if all I'd seen was that statement I'd be kind of sold.
posted by naoko at 11:51 AM on February 18, 2012
posted by naoko at 11:51 AM on February 18, 2012
C'mon guys he's a warrior! he should be able to deport people!
posted by The Whelk at 11:52 AM on February 18, 2012
posted by The Whelk at 11:52 AM on February 18, 2012
WARRIOR ETHOS : Fuck Mexicans then threaten to kick them out of the country! RARRRR!
posted by MegoSteve at 11:52 AM on February 18, 2012
posted by MegoSteve at 11:52 AM on February 18, 2012
Summary so far: "Don't worry, I'm gay but not liberal. I will still effectively beat up the brown people. Hooah!" Deputies: "He really will, you know".
posted by jaduncan at 11:52 AM on February 18, 2012 [8 favorites]
posted by jaduncan at 11:52 AM on February 18, 2012 [8 favorites]
MISDIRECTION MISDIRECTION MISDIRECTION
posted by The Whelk at 11:52 AM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by The Whelk at 11:52 AM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
In regards to his orientation: he's a fantastic leader
posted by Avenger at 11:53 AM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by Avenger at 11:53 AM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
This is like the shittiest magic show ever.
posted by The Whelk at 11:53 AM on February 18, 2012 [6 favorites]
posted by The Whelk at 11:53 AM on February 18, 2012 [6 favorites]
All right, great, we're all apparently now agreed that whether you're gay or not doesn't matter! I assume the Republican Party will stop acting otherwise. Now that that's done and all sewed up, how about we talk about the actual allegation of wrongdoing?
posted by Flunkie at 11:53 AM on February 18, 2012 [3 favorites]
posted by Flunkie at 11:53 AM on February 18, 2012 [3 favorites]
Jesus Christ, how many testimonials does he need?
posted by ericb at 11:53 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by ericb at 11:53 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
In regards to his orientation: he's a fantastic leader
He tops from the bottom better than anyone
posted by The Whelk at 11:53 AM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
He tops from the bottom better than anyone
posted by The Whelk at 11:53 AM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
"The Warrior Ethos" should be illegal to promulgate in law enforcement.
posted by rhizome at 11:53 AM on February 18, 2012 [4 favorites]
posted by rhizome at 11:53 AM on February 18, 2012 [4 favorites]
"He's a good sheriff even though he's gay" is not really the best needle-threading motif one could hope for.
posted by cortex at 11:54 AM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by cortex at 11:54 AM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
Based on his appearance, Scott Blevins is a straight up douchebag and I wouldn't trust him to sell me ice if we were at the North Pole.
posted by nooneyouknow at 11:54 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by nooneyouknow at 11:54 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
"He's the only politician I have ever come across..." Hee hee.
posted by MegoSteve at 11:54 AM on February 18, 2012 [7 favorites]
posted by MegoSteve at 11:54 AM on February 18, 2012 [7 favorites]
I am so looking forward to this coming week's episodes of "Arizona Horizons".
posted by darkstar at 11:54 AM on February 18, 2012
posted by darkstar at 11:54 AM on February 18, 2012
don;t worry, he's not getting Gay all over the police dept.
posted by The Whelk at 11:54 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by The Whelk at 11:54 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
This is the first time this guy has ever spoken to more than two people
posted by Avenger at 11:54 AM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by Avenger at 11:54 AM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
IS IT SHERYL WITH AN S OR CHERYL WITH A C
posted by cortex at 11:55 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by cortex at 11:55 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
well that guy could barely choke out "his sexual orientation doesn't matter."
posted by rhizome at 11:55 AM on February 18, 2012
posted by rhizome at 11:55 AM on February 18, 2012
So did he just start an office birthday card or something?
posted by The Whelk at 11:55 AM on February 18, 2012
posted by The Whelk at 11:55 AM on February 18, 2012
OH THANK GOD IT'S C
posted by The Whelk at 11:55 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by The Whelk at 11:55 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
The photographs are mine ... they were only for his observation
posted by Avenger at 11:56 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by Avenger at 11:56 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
Oh, come on. The photos were posted at 'gay dating and/or tool-up' websites!
posted by ericb at 11:57 AM on February 18, 2012
posted by ericb at 11:57 AM on February 18, 2012
Whenever anything bad happens to me, I blame it on someone hacking into my system, too.
posted by MegoSteve at 11:57 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by MegoSteve at 11:57 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
What I do in my private/personal life is my business. RESULTS
posted by Avenger at 11:58 AM on February 18, 2012
posted by Avenger at 11:58 AM on February 18, 2012
GUYS, GUYS, IF I WANT TO COMPARTMENTALIZE IT IT'S SUPPOSED TO STAY COMPARTMENTALIZED
posted by cortex at 11:58 AM on February 18, 2012
posted by cortex at 11:58 AM on February 18, 2012
you just have to say HACKING and wiggle your fingers
posted by The Whelk at 11:58 AM on February 18, 2012
posted by The Whelk at 11:58 AM on February 18, 2012
I'm going to complete my term with a bang
posted by Avenger at 11:58 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by Avenger at 11:58 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
Question: did you know Jose was undocumented and, if so, why did you continue to have a personal and professional relationwhip with him?
posted by darkstar at 11:58 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by darkstar at 11:58 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
"Completing the four year term with a bang." Hee hee.
posted by MegoSteve at 11:58 AM on February 18, 2012
posted by MegoSteve at 11:58 AM on February 18, 2012
it was banging that got you in trouble
posted by The Whelk at 11:59 AM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by The Whelk at 11:59 AM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
This is a rich and heady stew of irony and schadenfreude and some other word that a German psychoanalyst (or Slovenian Lacanian) will have to invent.
posted by LMGM at 11:59 AM on February 18, 2012 [6 favorites]
posted by LMGM at 11:59 AM on February 18, 2012 [6 favorites]
Isn't the bang what got him into trouble in the first place?
posted by MegoSteve at 11:59 AM on February 18, 2012
posted by MegoSteve at 11:59 AM on February 18, 2012
I love you guys so much.
posted by rtha at 11:59 AM on February 18, 2012 [7 favorites]
posted by rtha at 11:59 AM on February 18, 2012 [7 favorites]
"We're not ashamed of our horrifying horrifying racism, which is not the real issue!"
posted by The Whelk at 11:59 AM on February 18, 2012
posted by The Whelk at 11:59 AM on February 18, 2012
Ah yes, the real issue for the Pinal county Sheriff's department -- federal debt.
posted by polyhedron at 11:59 AM on February 18, 2012 [4 favorites]
posted by polyhedron at 11:59 AM on February 18, 2012 [4 favorites]
"I don't want things to trickle out..."
posted by darkstar at 12:00 PM on February 18, 2012 [3 favorites]
posted by darkstar at 12:00 PM on February 18, 2012 [3 favorites]
I bet those people in the background are bored out of their minds and would like to go back to work. I mean how many criminals are getting away with crimes because these people are being used as Babeu's backdrop.
posted by nooneyouknow at 12:00 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by nooneyouknow at 12:00 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
I don't have a beard! It's cool!
posted by cortex at 12:01 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by cortex at 12:01 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
he has talking points tourettes
posted by The Whelk at 12:01 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by The Whelk at 12:01 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
"I don't want things to trickle out..."
Why is he bringing Santorum into the discussion?
posted by elizardbits at 12:01 PM on February 18, 2012 [17 favorites]
Why is he bringing Santorum into the discussion?
posted by elizardbits at 12:01 PM on February 18, 2012 [17 favorites]
Oy vey. Once you've got a sex scandal, *everything* people say is a sexual double-entendre.
To clarify: I am not necessarily complaining about that.
posted by LMGM at 12:02 PM on February 18, 2012 [3 favorites]
To clarify: I am not necessarily complaining about that.
posted by LMGM at 12:02 PM on February 18, 2012 [3 favorites]
AMERICA- FUCK YEAH!
posted by nooneyouknow at 12:02 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by nooneyouknow at 12:02 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
I never believed he was less legal than I or you were!
posted by Avenger at 12:02 PM on February 18, 2012
posted by Avenger at 12:02 PM on February 18, 2012
"Babeu revealed as fan of Santorum"
posted by jaduncan at 12:03 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by jaduncan at 12:03 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
I'm not going to live in fear, I'm white!
posted by The Whelk at 12:03 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by The Whelk at 12:03 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
I'm not going to live in fear. With the threats. I'll stand and fight. (/career over)
posted by Avenger at 12:03 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by Avenger at 12:03 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
I committed a crime on my own time and with my own cell phone.
posted by Skygazer at 12:03 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by Skygazer at 12:03 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
And now a truck backs up for a full minute.
posted by cortex at 12:03 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by cortex at 12:03 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
I've never worn it on my sleeve like the faggot gays! I've had countless women try to fuck me!
posted by Avenger at 12:04 PM on February 18, 2012 [3 favorites]
posted by Avenger at 12:04 PM on February 18, 2012 [3 favorites]
PROOF OF MY VIRILITY! SEE! NOT FAGGY! WOMEN LOVE ME
posted by The Whelk at 12:04 PM on February 18, 2012
posted by The Whelk at 12:04 PM on February 18, 2012
I'm a lady magnet, goddamit!
posted by ericb at 12:04 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by ericb at 12:04 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
I, too, have had countless women try to marry me.
posted by nooneyouknow at 12:04 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by nooneyouknow at 12:04 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
girls adore me! i mean even the ones who never saw me!
posted by elizardbits at 12:04 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by elizardbits at 12:04 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
C'mon whats a little threat of deportation between important people?
posted by The Whelk at 12:04 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by The Whelk at 12:04 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
Fuck me, Metafilter. I've dated this guy. He's a trainwreck.
posted by Avenger at 12:05 PM on February 18, 2012 [13 favorites]
posted by Avenger at 12:05 PM on February 18, 2012 [13 favorites]
Predictions:
1. The guy will be lionized publicly on right-wing media as an example of a good leader and as evidence that the right-wing doesn't hate gays.
2. Quietly, his funding and support wil pretty much dry up over the coming weeks as most of his base decides they don't want to be associated with him.
posted by darkstar at 12:05 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
1. The guy will be lionized publicly on right-wing media as an example of a good leader and as evidence that the right-wing doesn't hate gays.
2. Quietly, his funding and support wil pretty much dry up over the coming weeks as most of his base decides they don't want to be associated with him.
posted by darkstar at 12:05 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
wait did he just ..accidentally admit to doing it?
posted by The Whelk at 12:05 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by The Whelk at 12:05 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
The photos were meant to be private.
Pfft!
His Adam4Adam profile ad.
posted by ericb at 12:05 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
Pfft!
His Adam4Adam profile ad.
posted by ericb at 12:05 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
Fuck me, Metafilter. I've dated this guy. He's a trainwreck.
Seriously?
posted by jaduncan at 12:06 PM on February 18, 2012
Seriously?
posted by jaduncan at 12:06 PM on February 18, 2012
I WILL PUSH OTHER PEOPLE ASIDE ... EVEN AT MY OWN DEMISE /wtf???
posted by Avenger at 12:06 PM on February 18, 2012
posted by Avenger at 12:06 PM on February 18, 2012
In fairness, nice abs.
posted by jaduncan at 12:06 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by jaduncan at 12:06 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
I'm innocent until proven guilty!!
(Oh the irony there. I wonder how many times he's laughed at that concept.)
posted by Skygazer at 12:06 PM on February 18, 2012
(Oh the irony there. I wonder how many times he's laughed at that concept.)
posted by Skygazer at 12:06 PM on February 18, 2012
I havent literally dated this guy personally but definitely his millions of clones.
posted by Avenger at 12:07 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by Avenger at 12:07 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
Abs just mean you have no friends.
REAGAN! LINCOLN! CONSTITUTION!
posted by The Whelk at 12:07 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
REAGAN! LINCOLN! CONSTITUTION!
posted by The Whelk at 12:07 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
The Big Tent (except for GOProud and Login Cabin Republicans).
posted by ericb at 12:07 PM on February 18, 2012
posted by ericb at 12:07 PM on February 18, 2012
Wait, I have not dated millions of closeted clones. Poor choice of words.
posted by Avenger at 12:07 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by Avenger at 12:07 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
We have these things in police work called "clues".
posted by cortex at 12:08 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by cortex at 12:08 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
and he's babbling
posted by The Whelk at 12:08 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by The Whelk at 12:08 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
Freedom is everyone's right in America. Especially people like me.
posted by Skygazer at 12:08 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by Skygazer at 12:08 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
I have such a clue right now
posted by The Whelk at 12:08 PM on February 18, 2012 [6 favorites]
posted by The Whelk at 12:08 PM on February 18, 2012 [6 favorites]
Login Cabin Republicans mostly hook up online, natch.
posted by cortex at 12:08 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by cortex at 12:08 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
He's floundering. "You all hate me now but I'm a soldier and a warrior and a good cop please love me please please"
posted by Avenger at 12:09 PM on February 18, 2012
posted by Avenger at 12:09 PM on February 18, 2012
THE SHERIFF in the BALLROOM with the NAKED GUY
posted by The Whelk at 12:09 PM on February 18, 2012 [9 favorites]
posted by The Whelk at 12:09 PM on February 18, 2012 [9 favorites]
Waiting and hoping for Jose's press release.
posted by darkstar at 12:09 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by darkstar at 12:09 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
"Why would any adult man post scanty pictures online" is kind of a dumb question in its own right, though, random press pool guy.
posted by cortex at 12:10 PM on February 18, 2012
posted by cortex at 12:10 PM on February 18, 2012
He should just hook up with the discreet Mr. Green.
posted by The Whelk at 12:10 PM on February 18, 2012
posted by The Whelk at 12:10 PM on February 18, 2012
I almost feel a bit sorry for him - he's babbling incoherently and it's quite pathetic.
posted by a womble is an active kind of sloth at 12:10 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by a womble is an active kind of sloth at 12:10 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
Its the damn progressives and celebrating diversity
posted by Avenger at 12:10 PM on February 18, 2012
posted by Avenger at 12:10 PM on February 18, 2012
Oh, he's from our fair Commonwealth, Massachusetts. The true definition of a 'Masshole.'
posted by ericb at 12:11 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by ericb at 12:11 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
> implying this man isn't the living personification of justice
posted by Sticherbeast at 12:12 PM on February 18, 2012
posted by Sticherbeast at 12:12 PM on February 18, 2012
"stand up and fight" is political speak for "I will vanish into obscurity in like a week"
posted by The Whelk at 12:12 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by The Whelk at 12:12 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
In conclusion: Let me just say that I am a straight-acting Republican gay. I am very masculine, straight-acting, a soldier, a warrior and countless women want to marry me. My personal life is private and everybody knows that I get results! WOMEN WANT TO MARRY ME! I AM NOT A FAG IM JUST A MAN WHO LIKES DICK OK ITS PRIVATE!
posted by Avenger at 12:13 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by Avenger at 12:13 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
"I have not had sex in some time?"
I what what?
posted by The Whelk at 12:13 PM on February 18, 2012 [4 favorites]
I what what?
posted by The Whelk at 12:13 PM on February 18, 2012 [4 favorites]
Is he a Dry Homosexual?
posted by The Whelk at 12:13 PM on February 18, 2012 [5 favorites]
posted by The Whelk at 12:13 PM on February 18, 2012 [5 favorites]
Question: how do you expect us to have faith in your abilities to track down and eliminate the scourge of undocumented immigrants when you don't even known one if he literally bit your ass?
posted by darkstar at 12:14 PM on February 18, 2012 [16 favorites]
posted by darkstar at 12:14 PM on February 18, 2012 [16 favorites]
OH GOD STATES RIGHTS I WIN! I WIN! I WIN!
posted by The Whelk at 12:14 PM on February 18, 2012 [4 favorites]
posted by The Whelk at 12:14 PM on February 18, 2012 [4 favorites]
this is an issue not to the federal government ... marriage is a states rights issue
posted by Avenger at 12:14 PM on February 18, 2012
posted by Avenger at 12:14 PM on February 18, 2012
... he's babbling incoherently and it's quite pathetic.
It's not his FAULT! The liberal, meddling media is hurling GOTCHA questions at him!
posted by ericb at 12:14 PM on February 18, 2012
It's not his FAULT! The liberal, meddling media is hurling GOTCHA questions at him!
posted by ericb at 12:14 PM on February 18, 2012
the definition of marriage is ... uh, an issue not for the government not to involve itself in (?!?)
posted by Avenger at 12:15 PM on February 18, 2012
posted by Avenger at 12:15 PM on February 18, 2012
if its a civil union, and some people have ceremonies, then absolutely ?
posted by Avenger at 12:16 PM on February 18, 2012
posted by Avenger at 12:16 PM on February 18, 2012
it's like a logic doughnut
posted by The Whelk at 12:16 PM on February 18, 2012 [7 favorites]
posted by The Whelk at 12:16 PM on February 18, 2012 [7 favorites]
circular, with nothing in the middle
posted by The Whelk at 12:16 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by The Whelk at 12:16 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
Freedom is everyone's right in America. Especially people like me.
Yes! Finally someone has been brave enough to come out and defend the rights of privileged white men in positions of power! GOD BLESS AMERICA!
posted by elizardbits at 12:16 PM on February 18, 2012 [9 favorites]
Yes! Finally someone has been brave enough to come out and defend the rights of privileged white men in positions of power! GOD BLESS AMERICA!
posted by elizardbits at 12:16 PM on February 18, 2012 [9 favorites]
"I'm a single man." That's why I love Adam4Adam, Manhunt and GRINDR!!!
posted by ericb at 12:17 PM on February 18, 2012
posted by ericb at 12:17 PM on February 18, 2012
CAST CLOAK OF RELIGION +1
posted by The Whelk at 12:17 PM on February 18, 2012 [6 favorites]
posted by The Whelk at 12:17 PM on February 18, 2012 [6 favorites]
The marriage question basically fried his brain. He's toast.
posted by Skygazer at 12:17 PM on February 18, 2012
posted by Skygazer at 12:17 PM on February 18, 2012
"Sheriff, what do you think of using Craigslist for casual encounters? Hot or not?"
posted by MegoSteve at 12:18 PM on February 18, 2012 [3 favorites]
posted by MegoSteve at 12:18 PM on February 18, 2012 [3 favorites]
Something like a stance of being fundamentally in favor of federal civil union law but peachy keen with state-level banning of gay marriage, if there was a coherent policy stance there.
posted by cortex at 12:18 PM on February 18, 2012
posted by cortex at 12:18 PM on February 18, 2012
if he knots his brow any harder his eyes are gonna crash into each other.
posted by The Whelk at 12:18 PM on February 18, 2012 [4 favorites]
posted by The Whelk at 12:18 PM on February 18, 2012 [4 favorites]
The gay marriage question made his Gay Republican cognitive difficulty kick in.
I ... I ... I... don't support .... government involvement ... religion .... states rights ... uh... uh ... uh ...
posted by Avenger at 12:19 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
I ... I ... I... don't support .... government involvement ... religion .... states rights ... uh... uh ... uh ...
posted by Avenger at 12:19 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
See, guys without asses aren't trustworthy.
posted by The Whelk at 12:20 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by The Whelk at 12:20 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
Thank you, and notoriously-squicky-about-the-gay-stuff-God bless you.
posted by cortex at 12:20 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by cortex at 12:20 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
These guys can't even do hypocrisy right. If you're thing is border patrol, you employ undocumented workers. If you're thing is gay bashing, you're a closeted homosexual. Get it right, fer Chrissake!
posted by Mental Wimp at 12:20 PM on February 18, 2012 [4 favorites]
posted by Mental Wimp at 12:20 PM on February 18, 2012 [4 favorites]
well then, knob creek anyone?
posted by The Whelk at 12:21 PM on February 18, 2012 [3 favorites]
posted by The Whelk at 12:21 PM on February 18, 2012 [3 favorites]
Something like a stance of being fundamentally in favor of federal civil union law ...
Actually, that would be 'a wide stance!'
posted by ericb at 12:22 PM on February 18, 2012
Actually, that would be 'a wide stance!'
posted by ericb at 12:22 PM on February 18, 2012
Okay everybody let's break for cock.
I mean booze.
I mean lunch.
posted by Avenger at 12:22 PM on February 18, 2012 [5 favorites]
I mean booze.
I mean lunch.
posted by Avenger at 12:22 PM on February 18, 2012 [5 favorites]
SO much want to hear Jose give a press conference and tell his side of things.
posted by darkstar at 12:23 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by darkstar at 12:23 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
I love metafilter.
posted by gingerbeer at 12:26 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by gingerbeer at 12:26 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
Up Knob Creek without a paddle.
posted by The Whelk at 12:26 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by The Whelk at 12:26 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
TL;DW: I've been an entitled, intolerant warrior HE MAN all of my life, now please respect my privacy and don't judge me the way I judged others. Also, I'm innocent, you have to believe me cos I'm entitled and a HE MAN warrior.
As already mentioned, not only circular logic but a weird tautology that reveals volumes about his mindset. Some good (I think he values his friends deeply as they value him and their specific aspects), others bad (He sees the world in mostly black and white and filled with "good" people and "bad" people and the "good" people are HIS people. His tribe.)
Strange stuff.
posted by Skygazer at 12:29 PM on February 18, 2012
As already mentioned, not only circular logic but a weird tautology that reveals volumes about his mindset. Some good (I think he values his friends deeply as they value him and their specific aspects), others bad (He sees the world in mostly black and white and filled with "good" people and "bad" people and the "good" people are HIS people. His tribe.)
Strange stuff.
posted by Skygazer at 12:29 PM on February 18, 2012
SO much want to hear Jose give a press conference and tell his side of things.
I like to imagine that it would involve a slideshow and some illustrative diagrams.
posted by LMGM at 12:29 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
I like to imagine that it would involve a slideshow and some illustrative diagrams.
posted by LMGM at 12:29 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
Maybe we can convince Xsan to let us do some kind of political rifftrax
posted by The Whelk at 12:30 PM on February 18, 2012
posted by The Whelk at 12:30 PM on February 18, 2012
The Whelk-y: it's like a logic doughnut
Is there any psychological and ideological paradox a donut metaphor doesn't perfectly and succinctly encapsulate.
*Remembers. There's a stale half eaten old-fashioned sitting in a brown paper bag in the fridge.*
Alrighty then, gotta go now bye....
posted by Skygazer at 12:33 PM on February 18, 2012
Is there any psychological and ideological paradox a donut metaphor doesn't perfectly and succinctly encapsulate.
*Remembers. There's a stale half eaten old-fashioned sitting in a brown paper bag in the fridge.*
Alrighty then, gotta go now bye....
posted by Skygazer at 12:33 PM on February 18, 2012
I would pay money to subscribe to a "Metafilter" comments track to the internet.
Of course, the downside is that this would require keeping The Whelk cranked up on stimulants at all hours, because he brings a minimum of 68% of the funny.
posted by LMGM at 12:34 PM on February 18, 2012 [5 favorites]
Of course, the downside is that this would require keeping The Whelk cranked up on stimulants at all hours, because he brings a minimum of 68% of the funny.
posted by LMGM at 12:34 PM on February 18, 2012 [5 favorites]
This is not the Babar the Elephant I was exposed to as a chile.
Strange days indeed. It's like the universe is deliberately inverting large parts of the signal, in some kind of noise cancellation experiment.
posted by Twang at 12:49 PM on February 18, 2012
Strange days indeed. It's like the universe is deliberately inverting large parts of the signal, in some kind of noise cancellation experiment.
posted by Twang at 12:49 PM on February 18, 2012
Also, he totally just got uninvited to the next GOP Barebacking Party
posted by Avenger at 12:51 PM on February 18, 2012 [3 favorites]
posted by Avenger at 12:51 PM on February 18, 2012 [3 favorites]
It takes A LOT of fucking gall to stand up at CPAC, mere days ago, and complain (literally) that "our freedoms are under attack" and that he is a "first responder to protecting our rights and Constitution" - and then pull shit like this.
That's waaaay worse than just being a self-hating, two-faced, gay Republican. That's abusing the public trust for purely personal gain; and, since he's a gun-toting-officer-of-the-law this needs to be looked at as the violent crime it is.
(Of course, he's innocent until proven guilty...)
posted by Benny Andajetz at 1:01 PM on February 18, 2012 [3 favorites]
That's waaaay worse than just being a self-hating, two-faced, gay Republican. That's abusing the public trust for purely personal gain; and, since he's a gun-toting-officer-of-the-law this needs to be looked at as the violent crime it is.
(Of course, he's innocent until proven guilty...)
posted by Benny Andajetz at 1:01 PM on February 18, 2012 [3 favorites]
alasdair: "So strategically y'all should be working to develop and aid Mexico to be a rich, successful, strong state and good neighbour. Then the border will be as threatening and difficult to defend as your border with Canada."
Sorry for the tangent, but this is such a great idea that it bears repeating.
posted by sneebler at 1:02 PM on February 18, 2012
Sorry for the tangent, but this is such a great idea that it bears repeating.
posted by sneebler at 1:02 PM on February 18, 2012
From the "Meet Paul" page of his campaign site: "Sheriff Babeu is originally from Massachusetts, where he served as Headmaster & Executive Director of DeSisto Private Boarding School." If this is the same DeSisto School, his former place of employment was not without controversy.
posted by atropos at 1:24 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by atropos at 1:24 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
One more bastardly lying Republican.
Assholes gotta be assholes.
Can't we take a vote, toss him into the Gulf of Mexico, and keep the other guy?
posted by BlueHorse at 1:24 PM on February 18, 2012
Assholes gotta be assholes.
Can't we take a vote, toss him into the Gulf of Mexico, and keep the other guy?
posted by BlueHorse at 1:24 PM on February 18, 2012
He needs the border fence in place to protect himself from hot, undocumented, sexy men.
posted by jnaps at 1:32 PM on February 18, 2012 [8 favorites]
posted by jnaps at 1:32 PM on February 18, 2012 [8 favorites]
Damn, I missed the press conference and can't find a link. Does anyone have a link to any recordings?
posted by madamjujujive at 1:35 PM on February 18, 2012
posted by madamjujujive at 1:35 PM on February 18, 2012
"It has also been rumored for a long time that Matt Heinz may have been involved with Paul Babeu. This story seems to verify that, and even worse is the tit-for-tat involved more anti-Mexican policies:I wonder what else is revealed in the text messages Jose has provided the press.Openly gay Tucson state Representative Matt Heinz was one of two Democratic lawmakers who broke ranks with the party in March 2011 and voted to give Babeu $5 million to combat border violence. Other lawmakers opposed the measure, in part, because Babeu’s county is at least 70 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border. The measure finally was pared down to $1.7 million and passed by the Legislature.Just to reiterate, I see nothing wrong with same-sex relations, but I see something VERY wrong with a Democrat selling-out Latinos with the 'new Arpaio,” one of the most vile racists in this state!'"*
About a week after Heinz’s nod to Babeu, the sheriff spent the night at Heinz’s home, text messages that Jose shared with New Times show.
'I’m at Mat Heinz and his boyfriend for dinner & ice cream . . . we are going out to bar and . . . to their house. [Am] staying over,' Babeu texted to Jose at 1:04 a.m. last April 2.
Heinz didn’t immediately return a phone call seeking confirmation of the sleepover.
On October 23, Babeu announced that he was considering a run to represent Arizona’s newly formed 4th Congressional District, which includes parts of La Paz, Yavapai, Mohave, and Pinal counties. (Heinz announced recently that he’s also running for Congress — to fill Gabrielle Giffords’ vacated seat.)
posted by ericb at 1:41 PM on February 18, 2012 [5 favorites]
If this is the same DeSisto School ...
'Tis the same school.
posted by ericb at 1:43 PM on February 18, 2012
'Tis the same school.
posted by ericb at 1:43 PM on February 18, 2012
His Adam4Adam profile ad.
I thought Republicans claim it was Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve? Or Adam and, uh Adam? Also, his profile says he's out. Which it kinda sounds like he isn't.
Also, many thanks to the live-bloggers. This thread could have been the same old comments about the same old Republican sexual hypocrisy; instead it was so much better. Great work.
posted by Infinite Jest at 1:53 PM on February 18, 2012
I thought Republicans claim it was Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve? Or Adam and, uh Adam? Also, his profile says he's out. Which it kinda sounds like he isn't.
Also, many thanks to the live-bloggers. This thread could have been the same old comments about the same old Republican sexual hypocrisy; instead it was so much better. Great work.
posted by Infinite Jest at 1:53 PM on February 18, 2012
But he never impaled.
posted by Danf at 2:29 PM on February 18, 2012 [3 favorites]
posted by Danf at 2:29 PM on February 18, 2012 [3 favorites]
This is supposed to test if I'm a Replicant or a l̶e̶s̶b̶i̶a̶n̶ Mexican Mr. Deckard?
The twink lays on his back, his belly baking in the hot sun, beating his legs trying to turn himself over. But he can't. Not without your help. But you're not helping.
posted by sebastienbailard at 2:39 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
The twink lays on his back, his belly baking in the hot sun, beating his legs trying to turn himself over. But he can't. Not without your help. But you're not helping.
posted by sebastienbailard at 2:39 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
If that's his Adam4Adam profile he's also lying about his age. No surprise there.
posted by sbutler at 2:57 PM on February 18, 2012
posted by sbutler at 2:57 PM on February 18, 2012
I'm actually surprised he came out today. I think savvier GOP politicians would have denied the entire thing. He could then get up there with his fake girlfriend (maybe Miss Arizona 2008, they look like such a great couple in the photo on his campaign for Congress website) and continue to strive for traditional GOP values in DC: Making sure marriage is between one man and one woman; Building a border fence so big it will make the great wall of China look like a picket fence around a garden.
But instead he denied everything except being gay. Good for him about publicly coming out. To me, his orientation doesn't matter at all (except the part about being a hypocrite, of course). Maybe he can be elected to Congress as a Republican, in Arizona of all places, as an openly gay man. But I think the voters of his district will care (the new 4th district seems to carve out metro-Phoenix and just gets the conservatives in the rural desert. It is the whitest district in the state). His tea party opponent seems to be loving it.
Seems like he was the dream future star of the GOP. He's younger, handsome (he lacks the great hair of a Romney or Perry though), ex-military, tough guy sheriff, tough on immigration, strong on family values. Except the gay part he was perfect. And the relationship with an undocumented immigrant. If Jose were only Josefina it would be a lot easier to handle for them. But I'm afraid he's done for in the GOP as long as the tea partiers are the shot callers.
posted by birdherder at 3:38 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
But instead he denied everything except being gay. Good for him about publicly coming out. To me, his orientation doesn't matter at all (except the part about being a hypocrite, of course). Maybe he can be elected to Congress as a Republican, in Arizona of all places, as an openly gay man. But I think the voters of his district will care (the new 4th district seems to carve out metro-Phoenix and just gets the conservatives in the rural desert. It is the whitest district in the state). His tea party opponent seems to be loving it.
Seems like he was the dream future star of the GOP. He's younger, handsome (he lacks the great hair of a Romney or Perry though), ex-military, tough guy sheriff, tough on immigration, strong on family values. Except the gay part he was perfect. And the relationship with an undocumented immigrant. If Jose were only Josefina it would be a lot easier to handle for them. But I'm afraid he's done for in the GOP as long as the tea partiers are the shot callers.
posted by birdherder at 3:38 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
He tops from the bottom better than anyone
posted by The Whelk
Reverse Cowboy?
posted by 445supermag at 3:54 PM on February 18, 2012
posted by The Whelk
Reverse Cowboy?
posted by 445supermag at 3:54 PM on February 18, 2012
Are we certain he wasn't seduced by the alien hacker (who is probably Anonymous) as some ploy to set up a backdoor to the Sheriff's Department computers and infect it with some worm or virus which would probably spread to all law enforcement computers in the USA?
Because proof of that would trump the gay and force LEOs to be even more vigilant and protect us all from treacherous dark-skinned alien hackers. Probably have to raise taxes and set up a new task force.
posted by merelyglib at 4:08 PM on February 18, 2012
Because proof of that would trump the gay and force LEOs to be even more vigilant and protect us all from treacherous dark-skinned alien hackers. Probably have to raise taxes and set up a new task force.
posted by merelyglib at 4:08 PM on February 18, 2012
Looks like gayhomophobe.com will have to be updated again. And it was only 3 days since the last Republican had been caught in a gay sex scandal.
posted by jonp72 at 7:27 PM on February 18, 2012
posted by jonp72 at 7:27 PM on February 18, 2012
Matt Heinz represents my district. I will not be voting for him again. I don't care a whit about his sexuality. I do care that he has destroyed his credibility like this, voting for Babeu's PR stunt and budget bailout. (Babeu's department is millions over budget, while the rest of Pinal's government has done well with their budgets this year.) Now it looks like that vote may have come as a personal favor to Babeu. I guarantee his constituents, in a very heavily Hispanic district, are not going to look kindly on that vote.
posted by azpenguin at 8:59 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by azpenguin at 8:59 PM on February 18, 2012 [2 favorites]
I have to admit that the person most damaged by all this might be Heinz.
It really does look like he changed his vote in the legislature for sexual favors, which is both awful and pathetic as well.
posted by Avenger at 9:06 PM on February 18, 2012
It really does look like he changed his vote in the legislature for sexual favors, which is both awful and pathetic as well.
posted by Avenger at 9:06 PM on February 18, 2012
Holy cow, channel 12 (ABC) here just spent 10 minutes of their "News at 10" broadcast on Babeu.
A few new items:
1. Statement from Jose's Lawyer, Melissa Weiss-Riner, of Horan Law Offices in Phoenix:
3. Statement from U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar, against whom Babeu is running for office:
A few new items:
1. Statement from Jose's Lawyer, Melissa Weiss-Riner, of Horan Law Offices in Phoenix:
"Jose retained our law firm after he was contacted by Sheriff Babeu's attorney, because he felt intimidated and needed someone to help protect his rights. As a campaign volunteer, our client created and maintained several websites and accounts at Sheriff Paul Babeu's request. The websites and accounts were created and maintained for Sheriff Babeu from approximately 2008 through late 2011.2. Channel 12 says lawyer confirms Jose will talk with press more after he has finished moving. (Yay!)
"Jose continues to live in fear and is currently in the process of moving again. Therefore, he is not available to speak with the media at this time."
3. Statement from U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar, against whom Babeu is running for office:
"This is about an abuse of power, a misuse of public trust, and the continued use of official resources for personal and political gain.posted by darkstar at 9:18 PM on February 18, 2012 [7 favorites]
"Babeu clearly believes that public funds provided by hardworking taxpayers are unlimited and interchangeable with campaign resources. First, his campaign sent its news releases to the county website, where they remained posted for months. Last week, it was discovered that while his office is over budget, he spent $35,000 on self-promotional collectable coins and Centennial celebration badges. Today he -- in light of these new accusations -- he hosted a campaign press conference in uniform at the sheriff's office with sheriffs office employees, campaign staff and campaign volunteers intermingled. It is as though he believes the rule of law does not apply to him."
Ugh. I've just spent an hour wading through the muck at Free Republic, Redstate and the local AZCentral.com forum populated generally by some of the most childish hyperpartisans -- it makes me shudder to think these are some of my neighbors.
Anyway, from what I gather, the right-wingers' responses fall into three categories:
1. This is all a liberal smear and how dare the liberals gay bash and try to destroy the record of such an outstanding conservative leader? This will only backfire as more people support Babeu.
2. Babeu is probably guilty and it's an example of how his mentor Romney is part of the Gay Agenda and further proof that Santorum (or Gingrich) need to win the primary. (I kid you not, this is actually a sizable portion of some of the comments, especially at Redstate).
...and/or...
3. It sounds really bad for Babeu, he's likely not going to recover from this. Even if he didn't threaten Jose with deportation, he was having a personal and professional relationship with a Mexican national and one that placed him in a seriously compromised position, which is a tough sell to the Republican base in AZ. Furthermore, the fact that he posted pictures of himself in his underwear on the Internet to trawl for gay sex from strangers shows a distinct lack of judgment for a public official and one that even gay-friendly Republicans may find difficult to overlook. Plus, if and when Jose gets his chance to make a statement to the press, it's only going to get worse as more attention is drawn to the pictures and text messages. If it turns out there is any truth to the idea of the threat of deportation as an intimidation tactic, that would make it worse, but it's already so bad that his career is probably over.
My impression from the comments is that response category #3 is probably the majority position developing among conservatives in AZ. I think Babeu is done.
Now I need to go take a shower.
posted by darkstar at 11:31 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
Anyway, from what I gather, the right-wingers' responses fall into three categories:
1. This is all a liberal smear and how dare the liberals gay bash and try to destroy the record of such an outstanding conservative leader? This will only backfire as more people support Babeu.
2. Babeu is probably guilty and it's an example of how his mentor Romney is part of the Gay Agenda and further proof that Santorum (or Gingrich) need to win the primary. (I kid you not, this is actually a sizable portion of some of the comments, especially at Redstate).
...and/or...
3. It sounds really bad for Babeu, he's likely not going to recover from this. Even if he didn't threaten Jose with deportation, he was having a personal and professional relationship with a Mexican national and one that placed him in a seriously compromised position, which is a tough sell to the Republican base in AZ. Furthermore, the fact that he posted pictures of himself in his underwear on the Internet to trawl for gay sex from strangers shows a distinct lack of judgment for a public official and one that even gay-friendly Republicans may find difficult to overlook. Plus, if and when Jose gets his chance to make a statement to the press, it's only going to get worse as more attention is drawn to the pictures and text messages. If it turns out there is any truth to the idea of the threat of deportation as an intimidation tactic, that would make it worse, but it's already so bad that his career is probably over.
My impression from the comments is that response category #3 is probably the majority position developing among conservatives in AZ. I think Babeu is done.
Now I need to go take a shower.
posted by darkstar at 11:31 PM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]
Now Babeu's went and done the "hey, it's all false, I didn't do anything wrong" press conference, and he's already back out on the campaign trail. However, the press isn't going to just drop this. They smell a real story here, and they're going to be checking out every corner on this one. Just wait 'til Jose speaks.
I do worry that Jose is going to be facing even more threats as a result of this. There are some very unsavory types that support Babeu. These guys are crazy. One example is when some border mayors wrote Babeu asking his to please tone down his rhetoric, because tourism was down despite the towns being safer than they had in decades. Babeu's office responded by sending a bunch of graphic murder scene photos to the mayors.
This is likely to amplify the other myriad problems of Babeu's office. He's way over budget - there are a lot of problems with that one. He publicly fights with the county board of supervisors. There have been problems with PCSO employees getting caught driving dangerously (such as one who was pulled over doing 100+ mph in a county car with a child in it - and that was the third time she'd been pulled over for very high speed) who haven't gotten tickets. There was the Puroll incident. He just spent $35,000 on coins and badges. He's handed his primary opponents too much ammo now, and he's done.
posted by azpenguin at 8:24 AM on February 19, 2012
I do worry that Jose is going to be facing even more threats as a result of this. There are some very unsavory types that support Babeu. These guys are crazy. One example is when some border mayors wrote Babeu asking his to please tone down his rhetoric, because tourism was down despite the towns being safer than they had in decades. Babeu's office responded by sending a bunch of graphic murder scene photos to the mayors.
This is likely to amplify the other myriad problems of Babeu's office. He's way over budget - there are a lot of problems with that one. He publicly fights with the county board of supervisors. There have been problems with PCSO employees getting caught driving dangerously (such as one who was pulled over doing 100+ mph in a county car with a child in it - and that was the third time she'd been pulled over for very high speed) who haven't gotten tickets. There was the Puroll incident. He just spent $35,000 on coins and badges. He's handed his primary opponents too much ammo now, and he's done.
posted by azpenguin at 8:24 AM on February 19, 2012
Huh, so that's why he mentioned the budget right out of the gate.
posted by The Whelk at 8:44 AM on February 19, 2012
posted by The Whelk at 8:44 AM on February 19, 2012
ericb: That This American Life piece is one of the better pieces about the pathologies of gay male culture. I'll second it!
posted by Weebot at 10:01 AM on February 19, 2012
posted by Weebot at 10:01 AM on February 19, 2012
when someone told Sheriff Babeu to "screw the Mexicans" there was a horrible misunderstanding
- Tbogg
posted by airing nerdy laundry at 11:22 AM on February 19, 2012 [1 favorite]
- Tbogg
posted by airing nerdy laundry at 11:22 AM on February 19, 2012 [1 favorite]
Damn, I missed the press conference and can't find a link. Does anyone have a link to any recordings?
Sheriff Paul Babeu Press Conference [44:57].
posted by ericb at 1:55 PM on February 19, 2012 [2 favorites]
Sheriff Paul Babeu Press Conference [44:57].
posted by ericb at 1:55 PM on February 19, 2012 [2 favorites]
I was pondering this. One of the strategic things the US has going for it is its isolation from warlike enemies in Eurasia. The real threat is a more numerous, powerful Mexico some decades down the line (no offence to Canadians).
I'm pretty sure the greatest threat to the American way of life is America. But then I'm Canadian.
posted by srboisvert at 1:59 PM on February 19, 2012 [1 favorite]
I'm pretty sure the greatest threat to the American way of life is America. But then I'm Canadian.
posted by srboisvert at 1:59 PM on February 19, 2012 [1 favorite]
Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu's Ex-Boyfriend Speaks to CNN (w/ video).
posted by ericb at 10:51 AM on February 20, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by ericb at 10:51 AM on February 20, 2012 [1 favorite]
Sheriff Paul Babeu Talks to CNN About Gay Rights, His Ex-Boyfriend's Allegations, His Relationship Status: VIDEO.
posted by ericb at 5:37 PM on February 20, 2012
posted by ericb at 5:37 PM on February 20, 2012
If you're thing
I did that twice. The brain is sinking fast here.
posted by Mental Wimp at 8:12 AM on February 21, 2012
I did that twice. The brain is sinking fast here.
posted by Mental Wimp at 8:12 AM on February 21, 2012
Arizona Stations Reveal Face, Identity of Sheriff Babeu's Ex-Boyfriend Jose.
posted by ericb at 9:09 AM on February 21, 2012
posted by ericb at 9:09 AM on February 21, 2012
He should probably have personal protection from other law enforcement officers and right-wing political actors.
posted by rhizome at 11:21 AM on February 21, 2012
posted by rhizome at 11:21 AM on February 21, 2012
Wow, that HuffPo piece is so angry that it pretty much dismisses itself. Calling someone on their beliefs is one thing, but calling someone out based on their dick measurement stat and preferred sexual role (neither of which claim anything out of the ordinary in these kinds of profiles) is so low that I had to stop reading.
posted by hermitosis at 2:37 PM on February 21, 2012
posted by hermitosis at 2:37 PM on February 21, 2012
Given his history, one might see it as sauce for the gander.
posted by rhizome at 2:44 PM on February 21, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by rhizome at 2:44 PM on February 21, 2012 [1 favorite]
Reversing his earlier position, Babeu now formally requests an investigation, not only into Jose's allegations, but also into Jose's actions.
So, yeah, I guess it could all end up in Jose getting deported, after all.
posted by darkstar at 4:10 PM on February 21, 2012
So, yeah, I guess it could all end up in Jose getting deported, after all.
posted by darkstar at 4:10 PM on February 21, 2012
Gila County has refused to investigate, but the state Attorney General Tom Horne, an extreme right-winger, has now said he'll look into it.
posted by darkstar at 5:01 PM on February 22, 2012
posted by darkstar at 5:01 PM on February 22, 2012
Paul Babeu's sister alleges he was involved in a relationship with a 17 year old student at the school where he was headmaster.
posted by MegoSteve at 3:07 PM on February 27, 2012
posted by MegoSteve at 3:07 PM on February 27, 2012
More allegations surfacing. Babeu's sister says Babeu was "dating" one of his students while running the DeSisto school in Massachusetts during the time the school was under investigation for sexual and physical abuse of students.
posted by darkstar at 3:10 PM on February 27, 2012
posted by darkstar at 3:10 PM on February 27, 2012
Babeu camp attacks sister over new allegations.
posted by ericb at 12:15 PM on February 29, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by ericb at 12:15 PM on February 29, 2012 [1 favorite]
Ex-Boyfriend Files $1 Million Lawsuit Against Sheriff Paul Babeu.
posted by ericb at 9:10 AM on March 6, 2012
posted by ericb at 9:10 AM on March 6, 2012
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posted by Xoebe at 8:53 AM on February 18, 2012 [1 favorite]