Indiana’s Mike Pence is starting to look like Lester Maddox — without the spine - By Joan Walsh

[DonViejo]

Once a symbol of the GOP’s “deep bench” of 2016 contenders, Pence is now a national symbol of intolerance

JOAN WALSH

It’s hard to keep up with the rapid devaluation of Indiana Gov. Mike Pence’s national political stock. As recently as last month, he was showing up in hot takes on the GOP’s “deep bench” of 2016 presidential contenders. Of course, I’ve already written about how that bench is in splinters, even before Pence began to look like a 21st century Lester Maddox — without the spine.

On Sunday Pence hemmed and hawed but ultimately refused to tell ABC’s George Stephanopoulos whether Indiana’s horrible “religious freedom” law permits discrimination against LGBT Americans. “It’s a yes or no question!” the normally affable host challenged him. The Indiana governor repeatedly ducked the question while insisting “we’re not going to change the law.”

-snip- (video of Pence's interview on ABC, yesterday)

Then Pence told the Indianapolis Star that in the face of a nationwide backlash, he would support legislation to “clarify” the law. “I just can’t account for the hostility that’s been directed at our state,” Pence complained. “I’ve been taken aback by the mischaracterizations from outside the state of Indiana about what is in this bill.”

Apparently nervous Indiana Republicans are considering some sort of cleanup legislation that would leave the law intact, but “clarify” that it is intended to promote “religious freedom,” not sanction “discrimination.” That’s a specious distinction. The law will permit discrimination – whether or not it’s given the cover of “religious” sanction.

Bigots have often claimed lofty reasons for their bigotry, of course – this post by Ian Millhiser examined the history of pro-slavery and anti-integration racists using the Bible to justify their racism, often in terms eerily similar to those used to defend “religious freedom” laws today.

more
http://www.salon.com/2015/03/30/indiana%E2%80%99s_mike_pence_is_starting_to_look_like_lester_maddox_without_the_spine/

[Doctor_J]

1. OTOH, a man of his age who can backpedal that fast without falling

will fare well on DWTS

[napkinz]

2. posted by Algernon Moncrieff

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10026434986#post19

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

3. Well said Joan

[Melynn]

4. Lester Maddox - Now there's a blast from the past

Walked off the Dick Cavett. Ended up on the ash heap of history.