Congressman Aaron Schock outed?

[Ogre Mage]

If the rumours are correct (and it's still just an if) he's clearly not 'struggling' with it; he's hitting the town, hitting the clubs, hooking up with guys and basically living an 'out' life, except he has a political entourage who cover it all up for him.

A lot of people seem to be forgetting the "if" is a big thing. What if he's not gay, doesn't that change everything? There seems to be no proof for it beyond what some malicious types say on Twitter. And as a gay man I get fed up that some people think that because he was photographed wearing "that" check shirt and bright blue belt, that means he might be gay. Sexuality isn't defined by your wardrobe.

Schock definitely sets off my gaydar and his wardrobe is only one part of it.  I think he is about as straight as Charlie Crist.  There's no smoking gun that Crist is gay either, but who here would place bets that he is straight?

Anyone remember this clip during the 2012 Republican Convention when Schock said Paul Ryan should wear "cleaner attire" to "accentuate his physique."  Interesting neighborhood to be walking in too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ps1iqZ3SNCc

I won't disclose private messages, especially since one is a second hand account.  But individuals who have interacted with Schock or know someone who did say some suggestive things.  The accounts admittedly do not rise to the level of definitive proof.  But I think there's too much smoke for there to be no fire.

[Ebowed]

If he's ever outed, he'll just give this lame excuse about how his personal and professional life should be separate - and in most cases they should be, but not in a case like this. "Sure, I bang guys in the shower and hit every gay bar that I can, but that's my personal life, I just vote against gay rights at every opportunity because that's my professional career. There's a big difference."

Suppose a politician enjoys gambling, goes to casinos and horse tracks and views gambling as a legitimate business, but that politician represents an area that is strongly opposed to gambling. Would it be hypocritical for that politician to vote against all pro-gambling bills? Who does the politician represent when they vote - the voters in the politician's district or the politician's personal beliefs?

Would you use the same defense of the congressman who pressured his mistress to get an abortion despite maintaining a pro-life voting record?

[bgwah]

If he's ever outed, he'll just give this lame excuse about how his personal and professional life should be separate - and in most cases they should be, but not in a case like this. "Sure, I bang guys in the shower and hit every gay bar that I can, but that's my personal life, I just vote against gay rights at every opportunity because that's my professional career. There's a big difference."

Suppose a politician enjoys gambling, goes to casinos and horse tracks and views gambling as a legitimate business, but that politician represents an area that is strongly opposed to gambling. Would it be hypocritical for that politician to vote against all pro-gambling bills? Who does the politician represent when they vote - the voters in the politician's district or the politician's personal beliefs?

The politician would conveniently miss the votes. Everyone wins!

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

As a rule, I don't support 'outing' and Tmth said just because someone has a profile doesn't mean they're exempt from the same emotions as any other human being.

However, the one exception is in the case of absolute hypocrisy. If Shock is in fact living an openly out life and actively voting against the basic rights of ... himself... then he deserves it. Political expedience can only be an excuse for so long. If being yourself is an impediment to doing the job, and in response, you decide to lie, hurt people etc then it's not expedience ... it's a pathology and for your own well-being, it's probably best to get out.

Watch a documentary called Outrage ... puts the scenario and its effects in a pretty stark light.