The best explanation I can think of for the about face of the Republican machinery regarding Senator Craig's behavior is that he is now a threat to their prospects in 2008. When the revelation was made in October 2006 that Senator Craig was gay and having sex in public restrooms, he was not up for reelection. Now, however, with him having to face reelection in 2008, the Republicans are thinking that these revelations will result in Senator Craig's defeat, and are calling for him to resign.

I cannot imagine what it must be like to be a closeted Repiblican representative or staffer. Are tax cuts really that much more important than self-respect and dignity?

Apologies if anyone has made any of the following observations, but I was unable to review all of the comments.

It strikes me that among the reasons for the Republican faux macho posturing is that, more than physical appearance, this posturing is the only thing that separates them from the "elite" liberals whom they despise. Many of these "macho" Republicans went to East Coast Boarding schools and Ivy League colleges and graduates schools. Quick, other than Regent University, I dare anyone to point to a Republican attorney who did not attend an Ivy League law school.

These Republicans have always been on the higher end of the socio-economic scale and probably have little to no experience doing the things that are traditionally considered masculine (e.g., build a house, fix a car, etc.) and have not held any jobs that would be considered masculine (police, firefighters and soldiers come to mind, which seems to be why Republicans are always in such a rush to speak with and be photographed with these groups).

Also, it seems that many of these Republicans have come from traditional families with a strong father and pliant mother (although one has to wonder how much of that perception was actually reality). They base their ideals of masculinity upon the traditional stoic male who showed no doubt and no emotion. Many of the over-50 crowd in general (whether Republican or Democrat) seem to cling to these ideals, whereas men under 40 are generally more comfortable with shifting gender roles. Numerous times when I have been out with my three sons without my wife, I have had women of my mothers generation come up to me and compliment me on taking care of my boys by myself. Of course, I think nothing of it. These women then begin to comment how their husbands never did anything like this, and I can years of resentment and bitterness flow past me with each additional word.

I think that these factors, along with others, lead Republican white males to think that to be "Real Men" they must be arrogant, loud, crude, cruel, homophobic, xenophobic, racist and mysoginistic. This attitude really leads me to wonder why anyone other than a white male would vote for the Republican party. Are tax cuts or curbs on abortion really more important than personal dignity.

With that introduction, I offer the following title:

The Mis-Measure of a Man

How the Republican Party's misjudgment of masculinity leads to their far more serious misjudgments in government and politics

I look forward to seeing the book when it comes out.

If yours is the only name on the Lease, let the landlord know that you are not interested in renewing for the next year, and that once the Lease is up you will be leaving. That way the landlord can start looking for a new tenant. Let him know that your friend and his girlfriend have been staying at your place, and that they have expressed an interest in having the place to themselves. Then they can apply for the apartment and submit to the credit check, etc. If they are not on the Lease, then they have no greater claim to staying in the apartment then someone else who is interested in renting it.

If your friend's name is also on the Lease, then let him know that you will be telling the Landlord that you will be leaving at the end of the current Lease term and will have the Landlord contact your friend in order to have the Lease put solely in his name (and that of the girlfriend, if that is what your friend wants).

Whatever situation you find yourself in, do not leave the apartment without making certain that your name is no longer on the Lease. Otherwise, as others have written, you would be liable for unpaid rent and other costs should your friend and his girlfriend not pay the rent.

Also, make certain that all your communications with the Landlord are in writing, and that any conversations with the Landlord are also committed to paper. Also copy your friend on any letters to the Landlord.

Finally, if the utilities are also in your name, make certain that they are turned off when you leave, or transferred into the name of your friend and/or his girlfriend.