There’s an old saying, which fits this case to a tee, “you reap what you sow.” It’s always good to see someone get exactly what they are due. Case-in-point, California State Senator Roy Ashburn.
Senator Ashburn has been anti-gay throughout his political career. In fact, he has been “a fierce opponent of gay rights,” according to an article today (4 March 2010) on EdgeBoston.com. He’s married and has four children.
Early yesterday morning Senator Ashburn was pulled over by the California Highway Patrol as he left a gay bar and arrested for DUI. There was a male companion with him who was not arrested.
Congratulations Senator Ashburn. Breathe the fresh air, free, of the closet.
This is disgusting and unacceptable, in-so-far as the discriminating campaign he has run relentlessly against gay rights. It’s as bad as being an American and joining the Taliban to fight and kill Americans.
SHAME ON YOU, Senator Ashburn! But, maybe not in the sense Senator Ashburn voted on behalf of the people who elected him to the Senate, people from a very conservative area. His votes against gay rights? His choice was not his choice. His choice was to vote on behalf of those who elected him.
That is why we vote people into offices, to vote on our behalf. I have changed my mind since I first wrote this article. I stand with Senator Ashburn in so much as saying, on a personal basis, such things like admitting your gay is still a hard thing to say, even in 2010. It’s costly, at the least.
Considering the backward-beliefs of the conservatives which Ashburn represents, it is doubtful he will see another term. And, that, will be a loss to the people he represents. At, least, with Roy Ashburn, he always voted on your behalf, not his.
So, if you do not re-elect him, it will always be SHAME ON YOU!
Now, at least, for Roy Ashburn, thank God almighty, you’re free at last….
Update 3/8/2010: From the Fresno Bee
Ashburn says he’s gay, defends vote record
http://www.fresnobee.com/2010/03/08/1851096/ashburn-says-hes-gay-defends-vote.html
Visit the author’s website: josephehoward.com