In Support of Roy Ashburn

Roy Ashburn is in a bit of political hot water. He’s a California State Senator representing the people of Inyo, Kern San Bernardino, and Tulare counties. He was stopped on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol last week. A local television station reporter noted that Roy had been stopped after leaving a “gay bar” and now Roy’s sexual preferences are public knowledge.

After the incident, Ashburn publicly discussed his sexuality for the first time. “I am gay. Those are the words that have been so difficult for me for so long. But I am gay. But it is something that is personal and . . . I felt with my heart that being gay didn’t affect — wouldn’t affect — how I did my job.”

The entitlement left is screaming mad. Why? Because Senator Ashburn has been voting against bills which would give them special rights.

I’m Irish, but I wouldn’t vote for special rights for Irish Americans.  I’m left-handed, but I wouldn’t vote for special rights for left-handed Americans.  Senator Ashburn is homosexual, and it is objectively moral that he refuses to support special rights for homosexual Americans.

It was also morally correct for Roy not to publicly discuss his sexuality before now.  His sexuality is his own private business and should be no concern of the voters.  Roy has a right to his own privacy and the public has no right to that information.

Once he was outed by the TV station, Roy took full responsibility for the course of events, saying “Through my own actions, I made my personal life public.”  In a way, this is true.  If he had been a more careful driver, he would not have given the television station an opportunity to broadcast his private life.  I feel, however, that their actions in taking advantage of his situation were wrong.  Roy’s driving has nothing to do with his sexuality.

Roy is not seeking reelection, which is unfortunate.  This country needs more politicians who are willing to vote their consciences over their personal interests.