Post by showcase on Aug 31, 2004 10:21:08 GMT -5
Today's Washington Post is reporting that Virginia Congressman Ed Schrock (R) is withdrawing from his reelection bid...
www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A47194-2004Aug30.html
I don't think this is a very good thing at all. While I'm not losing sleep over Schrock's fate, as I have only so much sympathy for what appear to be an out-and-out hypocrite, I still believe that sexual orientation is a wholly private matter that is irrelevant to one's ability to lead. Frankly, I think it's despicable to out a man for any reason, never mind political, even if it appears that on the balance of things he so richly deserves it.
Here's a second link that contains a little more detail on Schrock and these allegations.
rawstory.com/exclusives/byrne/schrock_resigns_gay_phone_sex_tapes_830.htm
citing unspecified "allegations" that he said called into question his ability to represent his Virginia Beach district.
In a statement, Schrock, 63, did not address the nature of the allegations, but he said they "will not allow my campaign to focus on the real issues facing our nation and region." His chief of staff, Tom Gordy, refused any further comment last night.
Schrock's announcement came after a gay activist claimed on a Web site on Aug. 19 that Schrock is secretly gay.
Michael Rogers said his claims about Schrock were motivated by anger over what he said was the hypocrisy of the congressman's opposition to gay rights while leading a gay life. He said the purpose of his Web site is to make public the names of lawmakers and other politicians who engage in such hypocrisy.
In a statement, Schrock, 63, did not address the nature of the allegations, but he said they "will not allow my campaign to focus on the real issues facing our nation and region." His chief of staff, Tom Gordy, refused any further comment last night.
Schrock's announcement came after a gay activist claimed on a Web site on Aug. 19 that Schrock is secretly gay.
Michael Rogers said his claims about Schrock were motivated by anger over what he said was the hypocrisy of the congressman's opposition to gay rights while leading a gay life. He said the purpose of his Web site is to make public the names of lawmakers and other politicians who engage in such hypocrisy.
www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A47194-2004Aug30.html
I don't think this is a very good thing at all. While I'm not losing sleep over Schrock's fate, as I have only so much sympathy for what appear to be an out-and-out hypocrite, I still believe that sexual orientation is a wholly private matter that is irrelevant to one's ability to lead. Frankly, I think it's despicable to out a man for any reason, never mind political, even if it appears that on the balance of things he so richly deserves it.
Here's a second link that contains a little more detail on Schrock and these allegations.
rawstory.com/exclusives/byrne/schrock_resigns_gay_phone_sex_tapes_830.htm