Today, the POLITICO Arena topic was “Don’t-ask-don’t-tell on Kagan?” – a discussion of whether or not blogger Andrew Sullivan was going too far in his campaign to out her. Note: Sullivan is gay and is trying to force Kagan to make a pronouncement on her sexual orientation.
If we are to ever truly get beyond identity politics, isn’t it someone’s right to keep their private life PRIVATE? Whether they are gay or straight matters not to their ability to do a job. What matters is their expressed views on policy. I find this type of debate exhausting and silly. Below is my post, which you can also read on POLITICO.
With respect to Andrew Sullivan, I wasn’t aware that he actually had any credibility left – journalistic or otherwise. He has so marginalized himself with his philosophical shifts and mean-spirited screeds that I don’t know a single person who takes him seriously.
Isn’t it time we got beyond identity politics? Isn’t that the sort thing the Obama victory was supposed to retire? We can lay blame with lawmakers who still seek to divide people into groups based on race, sexual orientation, religion or other characteristics. However, I think the news media also shares responsibility for the constant focus on these issues.
It doesn’t require much thinking or homework to report on those traits. What does necessitate some research is examining someone’s policy views. Does Kagan support unfettered free speech? Does she believe in the right to bear arms? What are her views on Congress forcing Americans to purchase health insurance? And yes, what are her views on marriage and the rights of gay Americans? All of those can and should be examined without the gossiping about her private life that parades as reporting.
When candidates for office are continually probed or vilified for issues that have very little to do with their ability to effectively serve in the position they are seeking, it acts as a deterrent for other qualified individuals to serve. All Americans lose when that happens, because we need the best and brightest involved in the political arena to debate the big challenges facing our country.
