The decision by the Richmond Federal Reserve to fly a gay pride flag in order to highlight its committment to inclusiveness and to honor its gay and lesbian employees
Provoked a heated response by Delegate Bob Marshall who called it an
“Endorsement of costly, antisocial immoral behavior” and an
“Attack on public morals.”
Strong stuff.
And, from what I can see on the blogs, there’s plenty of strong opinions about the flag and about Marshall.
But whether or not you agree with Marshall,
I think that the gay community wins this one politically.
The story has already been picked up all around the Commonwealth and, increasingly, across the nation.
The ultimate impact may be
To highlight how publicly supportive a growing number of mainstream business and financial institutions have become of their openly gay and lesbian employees.
Even in downtown Richmond.
It’s tempting to think of people like Bob Marshall as political geniuses. One could argue that his anti-gay letter might be enough to propel him past George Allen in the Republican primary for the US Senate seat currently occupied by Jim Webb. Never forget that Marshall came close to winning the Republican primary over Jim Gilmore for the chance to run against Jim Webb in 2008. Republican primaries are bizarre events in Virginia and perhaps bizarre behavior will play well.
However, just as you think that Marshall may have a political plan, you have to remember this classic:
“The number of children who are born subsequent to a first abortion with handicaps has increased dramatically. Why? Because when you abort the first born of any, nature takes its vengeance on the subsequent children… In the Old Testament, the first born of every being, animal and man, was dedicated to the Lord. There’s a special punishment Christians would suggest.”.
Needless to say, Marshall was widely criticized for such an asinine comment. Even Bob McDonnell threw his fellow Republican under the bus over that one.
While Marshall did apologize for “his poorly chosen words” he should have apologized for his “poorly chosen thoughts”.
Marshall has no plan. Just diarrhea of the mouth.
George Allen rants about mecaca and “the real Virginia”.
Marshall rants about gay flags and God’s revenge for abortions.
Maybe RPV Chairman Pat Mullins can implement a “gag rule” over his candidates going forward. Something like, “either talk about the real issues or just shut up.”.
Amen to Groveton.
I don’t have any problem with the Fed publicly supporting its employees regardless of sexual orientation, but flying a flag is a big deal. Is this where the Fed draws the line, or will other employee groups expect their flag to be flown during their month?
I wish the US and Commonwealth flags were enough.