The gentleman doth protest too much methinks

Let me do a little follow up on that yard sign post from the other day...

As many of you may be aware, in January, John Ahern (who is running for re-election in the 6th LD) made an ass of himself and all of eastern Washington by making comments about a domestic partnership bill. Initially, I was highly critical of those remarks, but after listening to them again I think I am changing my tune. You can listen to the comments here. Here is the part that caught my attention:

Of course, obviously, this is going to be a little more cost factor to taxpayers and I’m just wondering … do we have a mechanism set up whereby somebody from a state or a county or whatever would be checking out each one of the domestic partners to make absolutely certain that they do have a domestic partner?

I’ll give you an example. If my wife weren’t here today, if she passed away I could claim, possibly, Tana [sp?] as my domestic partner. Turns out Tana [sp?] happens to be my female dog and I would be collecting dollars from that. Now, do we have a mechanism whereby the State would come by and double check me to make sure that I do have a true domestic partner that I don’t have a dog?

Now is what we are hearing here just plain old, simple bigotry? Or perhaps -- just perhaps -- are we hearing some wishful thinking from a heavily-closeted, self-loathing old man?

I guess what I am imagining is that John Ahern is a dog lover. And by lover, I mean lover.

Seriously, go back to what he is saying... "If my wife weren't here today, if she passed away I could claim, possibly, Tana as my domestic partner." Seriously? Why use an example like this? Why personalize it? Why bring up his dog at all?

I think that we all know the answer ...



I just want to take a moment to make an appeal to John, if he's out there...

John, I want you to know that there is nothing wrong with you. I don't think anyone is going to hold this lifestyle choice against you. Truly, I think it pains all of us more to have to see you live this lie. You and your canine should be free to live and to love, happily and free for the remainder of your years. Forget what others may think and just go for it. File for that domestic partnership license, run away together and live happily ever after.

Now, I know that some of you may find this interpretation far-fetched (yuk-yuk), but is it really that unrealistic? Look at Larry Craig, Ted Haggard, Mark Foley, Jim West, Richard Curtis, David Vitter, etc., etc., etc.... Republican men who protested just a bit too much about lifestyle choices, just like Mr. Ahern.

Of course, it could just be that he really is just a tremendously bigoted asshole. Either or, take your pick.