Scarborough: Act Redneck to Be Republican, Times Suggests Lincoln Gay-Rights Fan

In Foley Case Upsets Tough Balance by Capitol Hill’s Gay Republicans, the New York Times describes the plight of gay Republican staffers in DC. According to the Times, things are so tough for them that a group gets together every week to "commiserate." The longish article makes an interesting read, but I was particularly struck by these two items. First, the article's author, Mark Leibovich, writes:

"Even though the G.O.P. fashions itself as 'the party of Lincoln' and a promoter of tolerance, it is perceived as hostile by many gay men and lesbians."

Huh? The GOP doesn't just "fashion itself" the party of Lincoln. It is the party of Lincoln! In any case, how is being the party of Lincoln inconsistent with the GOP's positions on gay issues? Did I misunderstood my 4th-grade teacher? Was she really saying "Abraham Lincoln freed the 'gays'" - not the 'slaves'?

Next, the Times sought out former Republican congressman [and former Republican?] Joe Scarborough for a quote, and he didn't disappoint.

Joe Scarborough, a former Republican congressman from Florida who served with Mr. Foley, said, “If you’re a gay Republican, you have to act like a Republican.” Mr. Scarborough, who is now the host of “Scarborough Country” on MSNBC, said “acting like a Republican” entailed going out on the campaign trail “talking about guns, chewing tobacco and riding around in a pickup truck.”

Hey, thanks for not feeding blue-state stereotypes of Republicans or anything, Joe!

Finkelstein lives in the liberal haven of Ithaca, NY. View webcasts of Mark's award-winning TV show 'Right Angle' here. Contact Mark at mark@gunhill.net