Greenwald is correct to point out the many layers of hypocrisy in the GOP outcry against Sen. Craig. But he’s mistaken to characterize the anti-gay hostility in the GOP as politically “cost-free.” In the party’s closed-mindedness, condescension, aversion and antipathy towards gays, they have driven gay Americans away in droves, as well as the many and growing numbers of Americans who are perfectly comfortable with and support gays and gay rights. And the social and cultural trends of acceptance also are working against the GOP. This very issue is a central reason why the GOP has trouble marshalling any more than narrow majorities in national elections, and why these narrow majorities have more recently been turning into fairly significant minorities.

plea

ksbagley,

I had heard or read somewhere that Craig had changed his plea from guilty to innocent. Perhaps I'm mistaken.

-- casual_observer

You can't change your plea after you are convicted. That's why the judges have a one page rap on, "Do you understand the...".

This article seems to be not so much about the legality or illegality of Craig’s act; but about the hypocrisy of the GOP and their political stance on Family Values. I believe this is worthy of discussion since families are the ones who are most affected by preemptive wars of questionable credibility.

Regarding the focus on the looming Iran initiative:

http://www.salon.com/opinion/greenwald/2007/08/29/iran/index.html

266 comments posted.

Regards,

* Craig would be portrayed as a "victim" of some childhood abuse and thus unable to control his impulses.

* Republicans would rally-round in support of Craig and his family in this "difficult time."

* Liberals, Hollywood and the "gay lifestyle" would ultimately be blamed.

* Craig would enter Celebrehab and presto, 3-weeks later emerge "cured," ending the story.

But as it is, Idaho is a Red State with a GOP governor, so Craig will be cast off as soon as possible, to hopefully fade from the voters' memory before the 2008 elections.

The hypocrisy of the "Family Values" crowd has always been overwhelming in my mind, and their response to the Larry Craig scandal is just one further example of this.

Why doesn't the GOP just make "We Hate Fags" one of their political slogans? It's obvious that bigotry and homophobia fuel and maintain the Republican Party, especially the "Values" voters.

As a gay man who was living in conservative Western state in the last Presidential election cycle, I can attest that this mindset of the GOP has immense appeal among many bigoted voters cloaking themselves in the mythology of "Family Values."

My hope is that the bloom is off the rose for this particuar political "strategy". As the war drags on with billions squandered every month and our economy and national infrastructre going down the toilet I don't believe voters will be able to think that all of our country's woes are the fault of all of those "scary gays".

Glenn, excellent post. You delineate this hypocritical double-standard very well. My wish is that more voters would be as conscious of it.

ksbagley,

I had heard or read somewhere that Craig had changed his plea from guilty to innocent. Perhaps I'm mistaken. On punning, I don't mean to give anyone offense, but this whole aspect of the GOP does have some humor in it, as well as tragedy. Life is too short not to attempt humor.

My title should have stated Conservative religious values are a fraud

Glenn,

Of course I accept your interpretation of your intent, and I think the capitalization of the phrase “Our Children,” which I hadn’t noticed until now (and which Paul Dirks also points out), underscores that context as well.

We seem inclined to disagree somewhat about the effects of divorce. But you also assert, as though I’d said I disagree, that divorce is more impactful on children than same-sex marriage. I think that same-sex marriage is likely to be good for children in the aggregate, although as with divorce, I don’t think it ought to be thought of primarily in terms of its alleged effects, because it’s a matter of rights. To withhold same-sex marriage rights, in my opinion, is wrong; to restrict no-fault divorce rights, likewise. The question of how common social practices affect people, including children, is obviously important, but progressives, in my view, should try to argue for remedies that support individuals as well as their ability to form nurturing communities rather than to restrict their freedom. If that approach is worthwhile, it becomes important to think creatively about the terms of debate on social problems. Even if you think divorce is a major “problem,” it may be best understood as a symptom of other deeper social problems rather than a place to stop the analysis.

...when ever I hear liberal or Democratic candidates and politicians suck up to the "values" crowd. Everytime I hear one of them go all "Praise Jesus" or give one of those sanctamonious "why my faith is so darn important to me" comments I could puke.

The Republicans, Tony Perkins and the rest couldn't give a rat's ass about "values." They've demonized gays to a horrifying Nazi-esque to fleece the faithfull for cash and votes.

The Christian right has bullied its way to a disproportionate amount of attention and influence. The Democrats should try to reach the majority of fair-minded, decent Americans not the fringe of loud, snake-handeling, tongue-speaking, backwater Christians who have been allowed to set the national agenda.

Craig's career is over. What does he have to lose at this point? I hope he refuses to resign. I hope he tells the Republican leadership that he will resign only if Vitter resigns along with him.

This kind of problem arises only if one has standards.

Shooter is making even less sense than usual. Is he affirming Glenn's point about the derth of sincere belief and practice within the GOP of the 'standards' they publically claim, or arguing against it?

No pun intended, right? But seriously, Craig has already pleaded guilty. He has admitted, under oath, in a court of law, that he committed the crime of which he was accused. He has been convicted. A few posters in this thread seem not to have grasped that. Craig may walk around saying he didn't do it, but for all legal purposes, he is guilty.