Rick F*cking Perry

I’ve never been one to write anything. Political, that is. I’ve never been one to write anything political. I’m not too into politics. Half the time it seems hopeless, and the other half of the time you find someone and/or something that gives you some hope, and you realize just how powerless that one person and/or idea is to actually do anything. Watching Rick Perry’s campaign video titled “Strong” pissed me off, though. Enough to actually sit down and write something. Offending line (portion):

“There is something wrong with our country when gays can openly serve in the military”

And then he goes on to talk about how he’ll end Obama’s attack on religion, and how faith is what made this country great. Typical GOP-type blabber, nothing new.

I’m probably not typical as a gay man because I can accept when someone says they think homosexuality is a sin. If through whatever causal chain that results in humans having principles and beliefs that’s what they’ve arrived at, I’ll accept it. I would never expect to change his or her mind with words any more than someone would expect to change my mind about the existence of God.

But if this is what makes you vote for someone, if this issue is really what pushes your buttons and gives you enough energy to cram yourself into a booth and push a button next to Rick Perry’s name, I have a question for you.

What’s your deal?

Observe this chart of national issues that I’ve prepared:

Actual Problems	Rick Perry’s Problem
Stagnating growth in GDP	GAYS IN MILITARY
National Debt Surpassing 100% of GDP
8.6% unemployment
Global Warming
Natural Disasters at Home and Abroad
Income Inequality
The Cost of Higher Education
Health Coverage (through whatever means) for Everyone
Underfunded scientific research institutions
A Waning Space Program
Natural Resource Depletion
Waste Disposal
Impending Fresh Water Shortages
International Trade Imbalance
Allies and Friends in Europe in Trouble
Inappropriate handling of China’s rise by the US Government
People that think it’s okay to shorten words to like “are” to one  letter…..OK, personal problem.

I know, right? And it’s not like that would be the entire focus of his presidency (knock on wood) but still…. you’d rather make it the focus of your campaign to smear the desire and willingness of LGBT people to serve openly in the military than address any of those other issues? You suck. And I rarely say that about politicians.

I recognize that the actual issues I listed have real solutions given by members of both parties. No matter what they are, I respect them putting forth an actual problem, and an actual solution. Not pulling something out of their ass that we all know is going to be a non-issue in 100 years (50 years?).

So please, be smart when you vote. And remember, Presidents don’t write laws. Congress does. Don’t forget to make an informed voting choice for your state senators and house representatives.