Honest 'perverts' have a right to privacy that *must* be respected. Hypocrites? Not so much.

[Stinky The Clown]

First off, let me explain the use of the word 'pervert'. I put it in quotes and intend it as a term of endearment, not one of derision. I have my own perversions, thank you.

I think the "DC Madam" phone list story is potentially a razor sharp double edged sword. It was fun to see David Vitter, a family values/sanctity of marriage Republican, outed for using the services of sex workers. The even more smarmy Jack Burkhart seems also to be ensnared. In his case, there may be a serious silver lining to his cloud; there are allegations/indications the guy really is a sex freak who likes too-young women.

I have no problem whatsoever - none - with outing hypocrites for indulging in the very sorts of activities they campaign or just rail against. I also know this view is not universally held.

I love it when preachers who spew homosexual hate get busted for gay sex and drug use.

I love it when sanctimonious 'protectors of marriage' and moral authoritarians who make a career sniffing the crotch of a once and former US President are found to be serial adulterers while the sniffee has moved into the third decade of his one and only marriage.

If someone were to provide tapes or videos proving that a guy like Ken Mehlman, long rumored to be gay, was, in fact, gay, I would hardly be offended or outraged. Anyone who actively works to keep a group of people from enjoying full equality for a single trait that is the object of hate deserves to be shown to be a hypocrite if that's what he is. I'm not saying Mehlman is gay. I don't know if he is or not. Actually, I wouldn't even much care were it not for his role in making gay marriage the hateful issue it became in the 04 election cycle.

Is this all limited to the Republicans?

No.

Is this all political and should Democrats who do the same be ignored?

Absolutely not.

Hypocrisy is what it is. It stinks.

But as we move through this shitstorm of potential outings, let us not fail to keep our outrage or joy (as the case may be) in check.

I will be cheering to see every singe hypocrite's name made public. I will defend as strongly as possible the right to privacy of anyone who is not.

But beware and be ready. Double edged swords, once unsheathed and swung, leave lots of blood on the floor.