He blithely dismisses Joe V.'s contention that "family, hard work and honesty" are not exclusive to the right wing by saying that liberals want to redefine the family. And then he dumped a lot of dubious statistics on us without explaining why he thinks these things are true.

Notice that he didn't really answer Joe V.'s question; he just accused liberals of wanting to change the definition of "family." But this doesn't mean that liberals are against families; it's that we have a somewhat different concept of it than conservatives do.

He also said nothing about hard work and honesty being conservative values. Zero, zip, nada.

America already knows that honesty isn't a conservative strong point, and our dear Wingnut is living proof. Salon editors, I ask you again: GET A BETTER WINGNUT. One that actually practices the "conservative" values of honesty and hard work, instead of obfuscation and laziness. Because his column is sheer mental laziness.

1. Follow Cary's advice about negotiating with your mom.

2. Use birth control RELIGIOUSLY. You don't need a kid at this point in your life.

3. Start thinking about your future. What do you want to do with your life? There are many more options than either going to a 4-year college or working at a low-wage, no-skill job.

I have a feeling that his wife's got him wrapped around her little finger and he's too dumb to realize it.

Anyhow, what's with his obsession with the studly trappings of Real Manhood(tm)? Does he realize how hollow these things are?

I was brought up to believe that a real man -- that is, an ADULT man -- was responsible and hard-working; treated others with respect; kept his word; was neither a pushover nor a bully; did his level best to support and protect his loved ones; and in general behaved like a decent human being.

I see no mention of acting like a mature and responsible adult in Klavan's essay; it's all about power and mastery. He thinks he deserves authority and respect (and can therefore order around his wife and dump all responsibility for their kids on her) simply because he's got a penis. Sorry, dude -- these things aren't given out like lollipops. They must be earned. And like many petty domestic tyrants, I wonder if his obsession with mastering his wife and family conceals a feeling of powerlessness and inadequacy in other areas of his life? That he's never actually backed up his he-man rhetoric by putting his life on the line is telling.

... I'd have more sympathy for him.

At least at the end he was honest, unlike most of his fellow Republican adulterers and closet cases.

Yes, women should be free to make their own decisions about their healthcare. This includes the freedom to be an idiot.

First conservatives wanted to bomb the Iranians back into the stone age. Now they're complaining that Obama isn't supporting the Iranians enough.

Which one is it going to be, folks?

I don't believe the "Trig is actually Bristol's baby" theory, either. But Palin has yet to explain why she insisted on flying back to Alaska to give birth to him in a Wasilla clinic, bypassing several hospitals with a full range of modern birth and neonatal medical services along the way.

Wingnut, you sidestepped the question yet again. You dissassociated yourself from Vitter and Ensign by claiming that they aren't real conservatives -- something hey would be very surprised to hear! -- and brought up completely unrelated behavior by some liberal politicians. Are conservatives incapable of giving straight answers to simple questions?

Salon editors, you really need to find a new wingnut.

If you think you're going to get better services and a better quality of life, it's not so crazy to want to pay higher taxes.

For instance, the borough where I live has higher property taxes than some of the surrounding communities. It also has top-notch municipal services. The salt trucks and plows are out clearing the roads literally when the snow flakes start flying. Our police department is vigilant and responsive, even for minor crimes. Our streets are well-maintained and clean. Overall, it's a nice community to live in and our local government works hard to keep it that way. So it doesn't bother me to pay a few percent more per year in taxes than my neighbors in the next town because I feel like I'm getting something for it.

The San Franciscans who agreed to higher taxes may very well feel the same way.

Last time I checked, she was still governor of Alaska. Shouldn't she be, you know, GOVERNING her state instead of drumming up publicity for her inevitable Republican primary run in 2012?

She might be taken seriously as a candidate if she actually did the job she was elected to do instead of feuding with late-night comedians and pursuing her ambitions at the expense of her state's citizens.