Larry, Quite Contrary

If you listen to the radio, you hear about Senator Larry Craig and his efforts to pick up an undercover cop in the men's room of an airport. Because of this controversy, he's been pressured to step down as senator.

Many gays have been pretty thrilled as one homophobic closeted gay Republican Congressman or senator has had to step down. They find the hypocrisy beyond belief. How can these closeted individuals vote against gay rights? Perhaps out of some deep seated guilt, they vote against what they feel is wrong, but feel utterly helpless, falling to what they see as their personal failings.

It's not really been mentioned, however, why undercover cops still go to men's rooms looking for such solicitations. While cruising in men's rooms may disgust some, is it really worth the effort of cops to try to trap guys so they can be arrested? No one seems to question this or why the men feel compelled to use this as a means of meeting people. Certainly, the danger and anonymity must provide sufficient thrills to overcome all sorts of issues.

As famous a person as George Michael was caught, and this seems nothing new to Larry Craig, who had been accused of making moves on pages as long ago as 20 years ago.

Republicans, too, show a hypocrisy, often knowing the sordid backgrounds, and yet tolerating it because of the expediousness of another Republican vote.

As they say, truth is sometimes far stranger than reality. You could almost not make this up, and yet, here it is.