Behind every great Republican presidential candidate, there has to be a closeted gay man willing to sell out his own people. The latest kapo is Sheriff Paul Babeu (right) of Pinal County, AZ, who stepped down as a co-chairman of Mitt Romney’s campaign on Saturday after the The Phoenix New Times reported earlier in the week he threatened to deport his Mexican ex-boyfriend.
Did we mention Babeu has made his name in Grand Canyon State politics by being tough on immigration?
A 34-year-old man, identified only as “Jose” in the New Times article, says that he an Babeu began a relationship after meeting on Adam4Adam.com. But, he claims, their years-long affair ended when he refused to sign a contract stating he would never mention their relationship. Jose accuses Babeu and his attorney of trying to intimidate him with threats of being deported.
Speaking to the press on Saturday, Babeu admitted he had a relationship with Jose but denied making any threats. “[Those accusations] are absolutely, completely false—except for the issues that refer to me as being gay. Because that’s the truth. I am gay.”
It’s not clear how the accusation (and Babeu’s disclosure) will affect the Arizona primary at the end of the month—or Babeu’s own run for Congress.
At the press conference, Babeu appealed to voters to look at his record, not his orientation, when casting their ballots. “I want to be judged on my service: 20 years in the military, two deployments—including one in Iraq—a police officer who has responded to thousands of calls for help, and a sheriff who has cut response times while reducing my own budget.”
Being judged on your actions and not your sexuality? Maybe Babeu hasn’t taken a peek at the Republican Party handbook.
Photos: Paul for Congress
vixlad
He also emailed him nude pics of himself. Check out this link for a more detail article and nude pictures below:
http://lennyzeff.blogspot.com/2012/02/sheriff-babeu-admits-hes-gay-denies.html
MikeE
absolutely, judge him on his actions: he LIED.
had he been open about being gay it wouldn’t be a problem.
but he LIED.
And on top of that, he’s a shill for another homophobic jerk.
ousslander
If the guy was democrat, queerty would be defending him all the way. Is lying about being gay the same as keeping it to yourself?
Total hypocrite if his boyfriend was illegal. Now Jose could just being making shit up so he doesn’t get deported. Would not be the first time an ex has lied about someone for gain.
And as for being a kapo because he volunteered for Mitt Romney who believes the same about gay marriage as Obama, that’s bullshit.
David Ehrenstein
If the guy were a Democrat he would be out and proud, wouldn’t beat up on Mexican immigrants and wouldn’t live in a hell hole like Arizona.
GOD (gay old dude)
Really, Queerty? Instead of applauding the man for coming out, you instead choose to slam him for something his ex accused him of? Wow. I’m beginning to get a real feel for the Queerty state of mind, and it’s surprisingly petty.
Again: Wow.
David Ehrenstein
@David Ehrenstein: KAPO is as KAPO does, “ousslander.”
hf2hvit
@David Ehrenstein: AMEN!
hf2hvit
Another AUNTIE TOM
Marc
I would agree that this is a little early to be “attacking” the Sheriff. But, I am completely sympathetic to those who have not exercised any restraint in assuming the sheriff is guilty. The Republican establishment has a history of this type of behavior; particularly among those of their ranks that are publicly anti-gay. Should he be chastised for not “coming out” prior to this scandal? No, it’s his life and frankly I’m a little tired of hearing people say that people are under an obligation to come out. I believe coming out, especially if you’re in a very public position or role is mostly beneficial to the GLBT community; but it is not an obligation. Should he be chastised if he abused his power as a sheriff or if he used his position to support anti-gay initiatives? Absolutely, because that has little to do with sexual orientation and heck of a lot more to do with the trust and responsibility the public placed in him as an elected official.
And as a note or aside, if you will, people can continue to compare Mitt Romney’s and Barack Obama’s gay marriage positions all they want; but the simple and highly visible truth is that the Democratic party and Pres. Obama have been a lot more “gay friendly” than the Republican party, period. The gay republican defense has been so weak that it almost appears that the Log Cabin Republicans and GOProud are groups comprised of current, former or aspiring sugar babies of closeted Republican leaders. And no, I’m not talking about Republican fiscal policies; some of which I agree with (I’m a moderate, who has found myself voting more and more with Democratic principles.) I’m talking about the weak defense of Republican homophobia and discrimination. Yeah Pres. Obama has stated he’s not for gay marriage; but that his position is evolving. But what about DADT? What about ENDA? What about the fact his administration will no longer defend DOMA? Where is/were the Republican establishment on those issues?
Jasun Maark
@GOD (gay old dude): Yeah, I’m with you there, too.
And the more you look at Jose’s story… The more fishy it looks.
Matthew Rettenmund
Applaud him for coming out? You guys are living in a dream world where Queerty and everyone else is supposed to pretend that just because someone has a hot body, all is well with them. He did not come out, he was outed. And why? Because he was very likely leaning on his ex-lover and using the guy’s ethnicity/status as a means by which to silence him from outing the sheriff.
Also, why should any self-respecting gay person be applauding a man who made his name on being a border hawk. And not just on saying, “I’m against illegal immigration,” but a man who has played this shit up to the hilt using all the racial implications available.
PS His ex-lover must be one of those dummies who says, “I’m not really into politics!” because otherwise, he’s as bad as that Asian actress who willingly and for pay did that atrocious TV spot that came out recently, the one where she smirks about how China is stealing out jobs in broken English.
PS Anyone who believes Obama has anything in common with Romney or the Republican Party on gay issues has some kind of bizarre axe to grind with the man. He’s not perfect but he’s a fucking dream come true on gay issues. But that’s only if you are pragmatic in any way at all. If you’re a complete idealist, I get why you would hate him, and you should be prepared for the results when your carping leads to President Aggressively Anti-Gay.
tony
After looking at the Lenny blog link, I have one question…Do only hispanic gay men say “Papi”? And do other gay men find that attractive? I dated a hispanic guy once and he said “papi” and it totally turned me off. I told him to please never say that again, and he got all offended. I’ve never heard a straight hispanic guy say it, and only have heard hispanic women say it as a joke or when they’re being stereotyped. I just find it extremely fem and racially demeaning for a man to say it. Anyway..that’s all.
MEJ
@ousslander:
Total hypocrite if his boyfriend was illegal. Now Jose could just being making shit up so he doesn’t get deported.
His boyfriend is not illegal–he has a visa, and a work permit, which grants him the right to be in America.
Right Is Right
@Marc: Simply put, Republican politicians are, for lack of a better word, afraid of gays for fear they’ll lose their support from organized religion. This is no secret. We gay Republicans are simply more concerned with the country than we are with our own personal agenda. It’s not a difficult equation, but for some reason the LGBT community sees us as traitors, self-haters, Uncle Toms, etc, which is as absurd as ridiculing a straight white man for being a Democrat. Are Democrats more open to gays and gay issues? Inarguably, yes, they are. However, I don’t view the country in terms of gay and straight—I look at right and wrong. Do I agree with repealing DADT? Of course I do, but the bottom line is, unless you’re in the military or planning to go in, the issue has no effect on you or me.
As for the whole gay marriage thing, here’s the deal: I’m in my 40s now, but when I was in my 20s there was never, ever any talk about gay marriage. Not only that, but we were grateful that when a relationship ended we DIDN’T have to go through all the legal bullshit that married people do, so I really, really don’t understand this hysterical demand from the gay community to allow us to marry. Trust me, the only ones who will benefit from gay marriage are divorce lawyers.
MEJ
@tony:
After looking at the Lenny blog link, I have one question…Do only hispanic gay men say “Papi”? And do other gay men find that attractive? I dated a hispanic guy once and he said “papi” and it totally turned me off.
I’ve never dated any Latin men, but I always thought it was a term of endearment. And it’s not meant to be hurtful, or disrespectful, but quite the opposite.
FreddyMertz
This has the making a juicy beach novel…or a porn parody. Tony..the answer is NO..it’s probably mostly used by “new” Latin immigrants. I also think it’s more of a regional vernacular. As far as Babeu(how is that pronounced? BA BOO?)Which would be SO hilarious, his political career is mostly over, unless he comes up with a way to win over “family values” voters in his red as beef state.
I’m also very curious as to how this will affect AZ St. Sen. Heinz and why he was the only Dem to give Babeu $5 million(later droped to $1.5mil) and then texted his Latin lover that he was “staying over” Heinz and his boyfriends place. hmmmmmm. Like I said juicy novel or porn.
christopher di spirito
Sheriff Paul Babeu is a Nazi thug.
Marc
@Right Is Right: I don’t consider equal rights a “personal agenda.” And frankly, I find it sad that you do. Nor do I find that it benefits only a small subset of the country when equal rights are viewed as an important issue. I always hear the same argument when it comes to those who support the Republican party; particularly that gay rights are such a small issue comparative to the entirety of the GOP platform. Well not to me; and it really shouldn’t be to you; no disrespect meant by that. I used to be a hard-core Republican (pre-Bush years;) but their stance on gay rights is completely deplorable. I agree with a number of fiscal and foreign policy stances by the Republican party; but I’m not about to support them with a “that’s close enough for me” attitude. Politicians need to understand and respect that they are tasked with representing a variety of people; gay, straight, christian, atheist, etc. I don’t trust any politician that panders to a particular subset, period. At least with Obama his reasons for supporting certain gay rights initiatives are sound and seem genuine. Republicans seem to be going with “what’s the craziest thing I can say today?” when it comes to EVERYTHING; gay rights, the economy, immigration, etc.
And as far as your personal view of marriage, well that’s just it. It’s your personal view of marriage. The merits of gay marriage are not dependent on the ultimate theoretical outcome of marriage; but rather, granting same sex couples the right to be married if they so choose; the same as our heterosexual brothers and sisters. If YOU think marriage sucks, there is a very simple solution; don’t get married. I don’t understand how avoiding “legal bullshit” is a sufficient reason for gays not to seek out marriage equality.
FreddyMertz
@Marc: (hat tip)..well said.
AZ LEO-Pinal
@christopher di spirito: Unless you live in Pinal County, then you need to just shut the fuck up about things you know nothing of. Our previous sheriff, Chris Vasquez, allowed our county to become the top drug-and-people-smuggling point in the entire U.S. He practically INVITED crime to occur, he was so liberal. But Babeu has turned things around so that we’re no longer afraid that our property values will plummet, no longer afraid of the out-of-control criminal element in our midst. Liberals seem to think that all inmates are just political prisoners of the racist American judiciary, that everyone is pure of heart (except white men in a position of power), and that Barack Obama is your advocate. But just because you believe that doesn’t make it true. (I bet you believed in “hope and change” too. Well, you succeeded if you “hoped” that gas prices would “change” to twice the price during Obama’s first 3 years)
kendoll
I stepped away for a minute. Did he say “founding fathers”? I so hope he didn’t talk about founding fathers like so many of the other clowns in the GOP.
The Real Mike in Asheville
@GOD (gay old dude): Fucking morons, the asshole didn’t come, he was outed! Outed for being an anti-gay homo; outed for being an anti-immigrant immigrant chaser; outed for being an asshole. Blinded by the right just makes you all the more idiotic.
tjr101
@AZ LEO-Pinal: Wait, gas prices is Obama’s fault? Lol, you’re a simpleton. And not all liberals support illegal immigration. Get your head out of your ass.
PS Sherrif Babeu didn’t come out, the hypocrite was outed. Big difference.
Right Is Right
@Marc: I hear what you’re saying, and I appreciate your position. Regarding marriage, you’re right, I would never do it, and I don’t seek to prevent others from enjoying that right, but, like I said, I think it’s a case of “Be careful what you ask for . . .”
But I have a question: You stated you wouldn’t vote for someone who panders to only specific groups . . . but don’t you think Obama does exactly that? Especially when he’s caught on tape saying to a California audience, “Mid-westerners, they just want to cling to their guns and religion”? He absolutely panders to his liberal base, and blows off those he knows wouldn’t vote for him. That’s what politicians—all of them—do. I have yet to see one who’s “all-inclusive.” Have you?
plazaboy
I really could care less about the whole situation. I thought Babeu was hot until i saw his stupid tribal tattoo. Closed republican? I’d still tap that.
Marc
@Right Is Right: I think there’s a difference between pandering and speaking your mind. Rick Santorum and President Obama are examples of politicians who seem to genuinely speak their mind (mostly); Rick Santorum, however, tends to alienate groups at a far higher occurrence rate than Pres. Obama. One of the saddest moments I observed in politics was John McCain’s 2008 political campaign. He flipped almost overnight from being a reasonably moderate and logical Republican to an unrecognizable pander machine. So do all politicians have the most inclusive message? No, but some at least express their message with respect, understanding and a logical presentation of their beliefs. These days if the GOP isn’t pandering(Gingrich;) they’re going so far right that I don’t see how anyone can support them(Santorum.)
AZ LEO - Pinal
@tjr101:
Obama 2008: “[Oil drilling on U.S. soil] won’t make any difference . . . it won’t change the price of gas in this administration, or the next administration, or the next.”
Obama 2012: (proudly) “American oil production is the highest it’s been in eight years. We’ve opened millions of acres for oil exploration.” Must’ve been wearing his flip-flops that day. But what’s really funny is that he’s taking credit for Bush’s actions, because an oil platform takes 10 years to get up and running.
On the other hand . . .
Republicans 2008: “Drill, baby, drill.”
Republicans 2012: “Drill, baby, drill.”
And in case anyone forgot, one of the reasons Seward purchased Alaska in the first place was to have it as a resource for . . . oil!
So yes: Like Carter in the 70s, Obama is directly responsible for not seeing that his country has enough affordable fuel to operate on. Anyone here besides me hear that Obama shut down the production of a crucial pipeline from Canada? Anyone here besides me hear that Obama reversed Bush’s allowance of oil drilling along the east and west coasts? Anyone here besides me hear that Obama is completely apathetic on Iran’s threat to shut down the Straight of Hormuz, effectively cutting off one-third of the world’s oil supply?
And how is Babeu a hypocrite? Because he wants to enforce immigration law, while at the same time dating a legal immigrant? How in the hell is that hypocritical?
Sure, I’M the simpleton. Right.
christopher di spirito
@AZ LEO-Pinal: You have absolutely no idea who I voted for in the 2008 primary and general election. None, so unless you’re the child of Miss Cleo and inherited her psychic skills, you need to stitch up your cakehole and STFU. Your rightwing governor, Jan “the Klan” Brewer hates President Obama more than you and has promised to militarize the border with Mexico since she became governor. Has she done it? Nope. Just a lot of rhetoric and posturing. As for Sheriff Babeu, if he’s anti-immigrant, then maybe he needs to keep his cock out of immigrants butt holes. He can’t have it both ways.
MEJ
@AZ LEO – Pinal:
If you beleive everything you’ve written, then I have a bridge I’d like to sell you. What you don’t know about crude prices, spot prices, oil production, and delivery, could fill a comment section.
And Babeau is a hypocrite because he presented himself as anti-anything that was not white, and born in America, yet he was dating an immigrant who was legally allowed into America, and then threatened to have him, and his family deported if he didn’t shut-up, and disappear. And when Jose did disappear, the sheriff tracked him down.
Truthful
just here for the nude pics! where are they?
Right Is Right
@Marc: Agreed that McCain self-imploded once he picked Palin (I too was once a fan of his). But I disagree that Obama is one who “speaks his mind.” He’s done virtually nothing to bring people together (whether it be black and white, left and right, gay and straight), and at times he’s been deliberately divisive (as with poor vs. rich), so I’d say he’s more of a very careful speaker who, yes, panders to his left-wing base by claiming to share their gay-friendly atheistic ideology. However, if he’s speaking to a black audience, suddenly he’s not so gay-friendly. And if he’s speaking to the nation, suddenly he’s a devout Christian who praises God and blesses everyone. Yeah, I’d say pandering is the right word.
tjr101
@AZ LEO – Pinal: I see you’re well versed in Republican talking points, you are indeed a simpleton because the price of crude oil is determined by many complex factors such as tensions in the middle east or simply an oil exec deciding to reduce it’s supply in the height of winter. You conveniently chose points to support your narrow views. There are US aircraft carriers at the Straits of Homuz.
Another fallacy of the right is that somehow drilling everywhere possible will alleviate the high prices of gas, simply dumb. America has an insatiable demand for oil.
And yeah your hero is a hypocrite, for so advocating their deportation during the day but looking to jump their bone in bed at night, similar to that other creepy gay right winger Michael Berry.
Chitown Kev
@christopher di spirito:
“He can’t have it both ways”
Sheriff Babeu indicated in his adam4adam profile that he’s versatile so…uhm, yes, he CAN and does have it both ways.
christopher di spirito
Sheriff Babeu is like a scorned woman having an affair with a married man. The moment her lover chooses his wife over his mistress, the mistress goes postal and tries to get him fired from his job and destroy his reputation. The only difference with Babeu is, when his Mexican-national male lover threatened to go public with their love affair, Babeu tried to have the man deported. Babeu is an asshole.
AZ LEO - Pinal
@christopher di spirito: No, I don’t know who you voted for, but from your response you’re obviously very sensitive about the issue, so I won’t impose any specific belief on you. I’ll digress: As I asked tjr101, How is Babeu being hypocritical? He’s a law enforecement officer who has pledged to uphold the law. Jumping the border fence is against the law. He’s holding violators of this law accountable. He was dating a legal immigrant, not an illegal. So, what did Paul Babeu preach but not practice? Please, enthrall us with your acumen.
@MEJ: Sure, I’ll bite. What did I specifically say about oil that was untrue? And please tell me where I can find Paul Babeu presenting himself as being “anti-anything that was not white and born in America.” Just because it’s a minority breaking the law, doesn’t mean the arresting officer is a racist. It means he’s doing his job.
One guaranteed way Paul Babeu will never again arrest another illegal jumping the fence: Stop illegals from attempting to jump the fence. And since that ain’t gonna happen . . .
Oh, ok.
This is disgusting…
AZ LEO - Pinal
@tjr101: Babeu only sought to deport ILLEGALS, not LEGAL people. He sought to deport CRIMINALS. His boyfriend was LEGAL, therefore NOT A CRIMINAL. So, again: What did he do that was hypocritical? That’s like calling Obama a hypocrite for ordering the killing of Bin Laden while having muslim friends. Sorry, but your logic doesn’t fly.
tony
@Right Is Right:
“However, if he’s speaking to a black audience, suddenly he’s not so gay-friendly.”
Actually, during his campaign, I distinctly remember President Obama speaking at a large black church and denouncing homophobia in his speech. I remember it so well because I was very impressed(and surprised) he mentioned it in a black church.
Marc
@Right Is Right: Well, I don’t agree at all. But if I were a Republican, I wouldn’t bring up divisive politics. For VERY obvious reasons. Obama’s so called class warfare is simply making effort to insure that everyone pays as fair a share as possible relative to taxes. I’d be all for allowing millionaires & billionaires to pay a 15% tax on capital gains if there were actual credible economic data that showed this would benefit the country; but, in fact, more than one independent study has shown the “trickle down effect” is a myth. And before it’s said, it’s not penalizing success or hindering growth. I doubt Warren Buffett, Bill Gates or Sam Walton looked at the payroll tax and trade tariffs before deciding to start their enterprises. Does it factor into business decisions, absolutely, but from my first hand experience, if a business can make money, they will proceed regardless of the tax implications. Just ask GE; and review their tax bill while you’re at it. Again, one good thing about TRUE republicans, they support reforming the tax code, I guess just not when it will affect their golf buddies.
And again, as far as divisive politics, the Republicans have the Democrats beat hands down. Compare any GOP candidate for President to Obama; and Obama will win every time. So far the GOP has attacked immigrants (Gingrich), blacks and gays (Santorum), and poor people (Romney.) Just a reminder, I didn’t bring up the issue of divisive politics among the parties. For goodness sake, the GOP even attacks highly educated people as being “elitist!”
christopher di spirito
@AZ LEO – Pinal: I’ll try this one more time and hopefully, the facts will break through your thick head.
According to numerous news reports (I know, they all have a liberal bias, right?), Sheriff Babeu’s ex-lover said through his ATTORNEY that Babeu threatened his Mexican ex-lover with deportation when the man refused to sign an agreement promising to never disclose their years-long relationship, according to the Phoenix New Times.
SOURCE: http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/2012-02-16/news/paul-babeu-s-mexican-ex-lover-says-sheriff-s-attorney-threatened-him-with-deportation/
The article goes on to say, according to Babeu’s ATTORNEY, Babeu’s ex-lover is an undocumented Mexican national and Babeu — a high profile, anti-illegal immigration Pinal County sheriff, with political aspirations and ties to the Romney 2012 presidential campaign, used his position and authority to intimidate his ex-lover and threatened to have the man DEPORTED is his was hush-hush about the relationship.
What Babeu did is TANTAMOUNT TO ABUSE OF POWER AND ABUSE OF HIS OF HIS DUTIES AS PINAL COUNTY SHERIFF.
Whether or not Babeu’s ex is legal or illegal isn’t really this issue here. What is the ISSUE is ABUSE OF POWER and EXPLOITING YOUR POSITION TO INTIMIDATE a former lover to fix an outcome.
Right Is Right
@tony: Thank you for that information. I hadn’t seen or heard about that, and I’m always looking for other points of view. Glad to know he stood up for us.
@Marc: I’m slightly confused about your position on economics. You say you’re against trickle-down economics, as Republicans are, but you’re anti-Republican. And you imply that Republicans aren’t for tax reform, which you couldn’t be more wrong about. We WANT to reform it, big time. Whether it be a flat tax, or just imposing a set percentage of your income, and get rid of every tax form except one. No loopholes. That’s our goal. Or—did I completely misunderstand your post? If so, my apologies.
And just to be clear, I didn’t say or imply that it’s Democrats who are divisive. Though he’s drifted slightly to the center from his far-left roots, Obama has, from my perspective, gone out of his way to alienate everyone in this country who’s right-of-center. He’s ridiculed the Tea Party, publicly chastised the supreme court in his state of the union address, and even referred to Fox News as his enemy. Come on—if that’s not being deliberately divisive, then I don’t know what is. I understand he needs to get people energized for the election, but he’s doing nothing to reach out to Independents, and definitely nothing to try and win over people like me.
AZ LEO - Pinal
@christopher di spirito: Whew. Thank God we have criminal defense attorneys like this guy and Jose Baez and Johnnie Cochran to inform us stupid Americans about the truth of what REALLY happened.
Christopher
@AZ LEO-Pinal:
Gas prices in July 2008, prior to bama election according to CNN money were 4.11 per gallon
http://money.cnn.com/2008/06/08/news/economy/gas_prices/
Gas price average this week. 3.53
Yes, there was an extremely brief period of low gas prices in 2008, but you can’t cherry pick one statistic from a few week period and pretend it was significant. So the answer is based on averages over loner periods, gas prices have slightly dropped under Obama.
I am also not simple enough to claim Obama was responsible for that. Oil prices are controlled by multiple factors that no president can control.
christopher di spirito
@AZ LEO – Pinal: How is OJ Simpson’s former defense attorney, the late Johnnie L. Cochran, in any way germane to a discussion of Sheriff Paul Babeu? You’re so far off point and message that I’ve lost interest.
I know you’re new around these parts so I’ll give you a freebee: better talking points if you want to keep me interested and engaged. Now I’m off to Chipotle and lunch.
FreddyMertz
@Marc & @Right is Right…thank you for having a “civil discourse”…something that has been missing for a while.
Marc
@Right Is Right: Relative to the tax reform issue, here is what I said ” Again, one good thing about TRUE republicans, they support reforming the tax code, I guess just not when it will affect their golf buddies.” Now that was meant as a supportive but also pointed dig at the fact that they rightfully support tax reform; but continue to call out Obama over his attempts to reform it and refer to his efforts as “class warfare.” Additionally, I have to point out that in my original post I said that I there are a number of financial initiatives supported by Republicans of which I agree with. Most Republicans don’t actually agree with trickle down economics, but you wouldn’t know it from the talking heads and political candidates who continue to push this idea that if we grant tax breaks to the wealthy; it will ultimately “trickle down” to the rest of us.
I think the problem with and, why you may see Obama as divisive, is that “right of center” is now simply FAR right of center. Republicans now deal in absolutes. The compromise is no longer there. Some of that can be blamed on some Democrats, but it appears that far more Republicans are opposing initiatives for the sake of opposition alone. I think any leader should stand against that type of mentality. The negativity that comes from the party these days is a far cry from my days with the Republican party. The Republican primaries have already been referred to as the “most negative campaign in history.” I can really get a firm idea of where the candidates stand on issues (except for Ron Paul) due to all of the attack maneuvers they keep deploying at each other and Obama. What used to be a reasonable debate has devolved into a bunch of mad dogs fighting over a raw steak. And they seem ready to steam roll over anyone to do it. Case and point; Gingrich’s attack on Romney; that essentially attacked him for being a capitalist. If that doesn’t make you scratch your head, I don’t know what will.
AZ LEO - Pinal
@christopher di spirito: I really have to spell that out for you? My point was, if you get your information from criminal defense attorneys, then your information isn’t likely to be accurate. I see lawyers go into court and lie for their clients all the time. Hence, the reference to the attorney who dictated this story, Casey Anthony’s savior Jose Baez, and Simpson’s liar Cochran—or, I’m sorry, as you so honorably lamented, “the late Johnnie L. Cochran” (you forgot to add, “May he rest in peace and God bless his soul.”)
Marc
@FreddyMertz: Thanks, I think if Republicans and Democrats could discuss things this calmly and logically we’d have gay marriage and a flat tax.
Right Is Right
@Marc: I second that, bro.
Right Is Right
@Marc: Also meant to say, you’re absolutely right about Republicans having lost sight of their message and instead zeroing in on the negative. It’s been extremely disheartening to watch these candidates go at each other these last few months, but the really bad news is, no matter who comes out on top, none of them are as easy to swallow as Obama is, and it’s the party that loses in the end. Oh well, they have no one to blame but themselves.
Marc
@Right Is Right: I agree. I think this country needs a strong Republican party and I just don’t see it right now and I don’t think most Americans do either. Guys like John Huntsman seem to be rare and the sensibility of their message is lost due to roar of guys like Santorum and Gingrich.
christopher di spirito
@Marc: You think the country needs a strong Republican party? Why? To serve the interests of Corporate America, and the military, industrial complex?
Right Is Right
@Marc: My man! Huntsman was my guy, and he was awesome while he lasted, but you’re right, the far-right fringes took notice and out he goes—and yet somehow, Rick Santorum (who, let’s face it, isn’t the most intellectual of fellows) ends up in the lead? How does this happen? Is it the Mormon factor? Is that why Huntsman bit the dust (as it seems Romney is about to do)? I genuinely scratch my head over questions like this.
13Zeroither
Do we lgbt people get really REALLY pissed at a lgbt person [who was/is working for homophobic causes] who finally admits that they’re an lgbt person, or is it just me?(or something like that..)
Marc
@christopher di spirito: I would prefer you not make assumptions about my principles prior to allowing me to address your question. So, to address your question, yes, the country does need a strong Republican party (as in principles and platform, if not in number) to provide contrast and encourage debate. A country with one consistently dominant party rarely serves the public interest for long. With a balanced system, debate is not only encouraged but necessary. It allows for compromised solutions that benefit the whole of the people of a nation; not just a particular subset.
Marc
@Right Is Right: I really think the far right has taken over the party. Early in his campaign, Gingrich called Paul Ryan’s budget radical and referred to it as right wing social engineering (both of which, I think, was a spot on assessment,) and the Republican party pounced on him and it nearly destroyed his campaign at the beginning. Thereafter, he began his extreme pandering, McCain-style. It seems like the majority of the Republican party today doesn’t want to even consider a moderate or balanced proposal. And I think that’s why Huntsman didn’t have a chance.
christopher di spirito
@AZ LEO – Pinal: Yes, in the American system of justice we have a prosecuting attorney and a defense attorney. The presumption of innocence or Ei incumbit probatio qui dicit, non qui negat, with the burden of proof on the state. It is a system that is at once a strength, and, a frustration. The state may meticulously argue a case only to have it rejected by jury. The People v. Orenthal James Simpson, for one such example. I fail to see why you take such umbrage by me accurately referring to “the late Johnnie L. Cochran.” Is he not deceased? Do you know something the rest of the world doesn’t know?
Right Is Right
@Marc: It’s true, there doesn’t seem to be much room for compromise under the likes of Boehner, Daniels, Pelosi, et al. Everyone is digging in their heels. Sad situation. Here’s hoping it gets better.
I and all Republicans like me appreciate your rational discussion. You’re a big man among many, many small ones on this site, most of whom would prefer people like me just go away, and I want to thank you for being engaging and civil.
David Ehrenstein
@Right Is Right: “but for some reason the LGBT community sees us as traitors, self-haters, Uncle Toms, etc”
CAUSE THAT’S WHO YA ARE, BLANCHE!!!!!!!
David Ehrenstein
@Right Is Right: “most of whom would prefer people like me just go away”
I’d prefer it if you crawled back into Sheriff Babue’s asshole where you belong.
Right Is Right
@David Ehrenstein:
There once was someone, name of Dave E
Who whined and cried like a baby
With a gutter mouth, too
(‘Cause he’s a bad Jew)
And a swish just like all the ladies
He’d log on after drinking
And without any thinking
Would type things that made him look crazy
B
No. 9 · Marc wrote, “I would agree that this is a little early to be ‘attacking’ the Sheriff. But, I am completely sympathetic to those who have not exercised any restraint in assuming the sheriff is guilty. The Republican establishment has a history of this type of behavior; particularly among those of their ranks that are publicly anti-gay.”
There weren’t any allegations of Sheriff Babue making anti-gays statements publicly and he claims not to have a had a fake wife or girlfriend for cover. He seemed to think that privacy should be respected regarding one’s personal life. That’s a common belief in Arizona among the “Barry Goldwater” conservatives (Goldwater BTW opposed DADT on the grounds that you don’t have to be straight to shoot straight). Babue claimed his account was broken into. While he may have sent nude photos to a boyfriend, he seems to be claiming that someone impersonated him – a case of identity theft if true. Unless Babue is really stupid, he’d have some idea given his law enforcement background of how quickly a lie about being “hacked” would be discredited and would have enough common sense not to try such a lie. We should give him the benefit of the doubt on that one until there is evidence to the contrary.
The really interesting thing about the video was how many politicians and others were supporting him. That the Romney campaign was apparently glad to get rid of him should be taken as an indication of what sort of people Romney keeps as associates, and it is just maybe an indication of what Romney is like on a personal level.
Before criticizing Babue for supporting Romney, one should ask him why. Maybe Babue is not a single-issue person, maybe he didn’t think Romney really believes Romney’s anti-gay statements, or maybe he didn’t want to bail out after signing up (Romney didn’t talk much about gays until he Santorum started to do well in the polls.
Arizona Guy
Miss thang’s name and face have now gone public here in AZ. That’d be one hot sextape.
http://www.azfamily.com/news/Sheriff-Babeus-ex-boyfriend-give-interview-to-CNN-139747933.html
shannon
THE GIG IS UP!!!!!!!! HE WAS HATING MEXICANS AND ADVOCATING THEIR DEPORTATION WHILE SLEEPING WITH AS MANY AS HE COULD!!! AND WHAT IS WITH MEXICANS ON THE WEST COAST LETTING THEMSELVES BE DEGRADED…PUT DOWN…CALLED RACUAL SLURS JUST TO SAY THEY ARE SLEEPING WITH A ‘WHITE MAN”????? AND A WITE MAN THAT HATES THEM? GET SOME SELF LOVE PEOPLE
Marc
@Right Is Right: No problem. I thank you for the same level of civility. I think one of the great tragedies of the modern political scene is the vile and extremely adversarial nature of discourse that exists today. I have no desire to add fuel to that fire. Best wishes. We’re not going to get anywhere by marginalizing and ignoring those we don’t agree with.
Ogre Magi
And? as his sobbing lover was dragged away by ICE, the Sheriff was heard to mutter “I’m NOT your sweet Babeau!”
B
No. 64 · shannon wrote, “THE GIG IS UP!!!!!!!! …” I won’t copy the allegations in that comment, but simply point out the lack of evidence – not a single citation – backing up any of it.
With regard to QUEERTY’s statement. “Did we mention Babeu has made his name in Grand Canyon State politics by being tough on immigration,” that statement is undoubted false as written – he might have tried to be “tough” on illegal immigration, but a sheriff has no authority whatsoever to change immigration policy, and any sheriff who took it upon himself to harass legal immigrants would be dragged into court – the ACLU did just that to the state of Arizona for its racial-profiling law ( http://www.aclu.org/immigrants-rights-racial-justice/aclu-and-civil-rights-groups-file-legal-challenge-arizona-racial-pr ). Also read http://www.aclupa.org/issues/immigrantsrights/animmigrationguideforaclum.htm .
MotorGay.net
You gotta hand it to Republicans lately, never a dull moment. At least he wasn’t tapping his shoe in the airport bathroom!
Elmwood Mac
Good point. Whatever happened to foot tap guy anyway?