This is an especially troubling story where all the fact are yet to be understood. Most of the big gay blogs are picking it up, and writing about it. I don’t think there is much to add except that I want to highlight what I think it means- or what it illustrates. Homophobia and the acceptability to hate gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender folks is so pervasive in our culture, and it is growing in the political arena. Chamblis has claimed to be outraged over this, but just who is the staffer responsible? How close are they to Chamblis, and what are their personal political aspirations? Was this some young intern or a seasoned government pro?
Today, also, the Senate failed to pass the appropriations bill that includes the repeal of DADT. It is especially disheartening to watch failure after failure by politicians to bring about change that treats everyone as equal. On the other hand, it makes sense- why equality is such a fight. Homophobia is so rampant, so pervasive, and treated as so acceptable by, not only the far right, but by many many across the whole of the American culture.
We must not stop the fight for legislative change, but we must also re-think our overall strategy for equality and place a greater emphasis on compating homophobia where ever it is.
Sen. Saxby Chambliss has confirmed that the “All faggots must die” comment left here on JMG earlier today did indeed come from his Atlanta office. Galloway reports that Chambliss told him his office is conducting an internal investigation.