Thrown Out Rounding Third

Earlier this week, an author spoke at the student union of Jamestown Community College. Walter Meyer is the author of “Rounding Third,” a novel about two teenage boys in a small Ohio town. He was on hand for National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11, and spoke about gays and lesbian students getting picked on.

There were several fun little nuggets of wisdom in the story (http://www.post-journal.com/page/content.detail/id/592523/Author-Lectures-On-Bullying-Of-Gays--Lesbians.html?nav=5192) but let’s start with this: “Rick Perry, Ricky Santorum and Michele Bachmann are afraid to have gay people around them,” (Meyer) said. “This is literally their fear. They’re homophobic.”

There’s the magic word. Homophobic.

My word? Phooey. Want a couple more? Idiotic. Goofy. DUMB. A phobia is “an irrational, excessive, and persistent fear of some particular thing or situation.”

Santorum has long been a target of the gay rights crowd because he is willing to stand up and say that he is opposed to gay marriage and supports the military policy known as “don’t ask, don’t tell.” He’s also a Roman Catholic, and the church has also drawn fire from the same area.

Now, since he’s the candidate I’m backing for the 2012 Republican nomination, the above quote caught my eye. It seems that every criticism of gay rights, gay marriage, etc., is met with a cry of “homophobe” just as every criticism of Israel’s actions is met with “anti-Semite.” Putting it this directly is a new trick, though.

Having met Santorum on a few occasions, and being very familiar with his views and ideas, the idea that he is “literally afraid” to be around gays is a bunch of hogwash. I'm not as familiar with Gov. Perry and Rep. Bachmann, but I'm willing to say the same is true.

This is Meyer’s opinion, and nothing more. I highly doubt it has any basis in fact.

Should someone be picked on because of their sexual orientation? Absolutely not.

Should someone be picked on because of race, body size, religion, or any other personal quality? No.

It’s going to happen anyway, because kids pick on each other.

Meyer’s big idea is to have counseling for “these bullies” (those who harass gays.) As someone who was nerdy, wears glasses, and has a last name that could be used as a first name, I’ve had my share of harassment. You know what happened? I grew up, so did my classmates, and we all learned to get along. No special “counseling” (other than my parents’ advice) needed.

Some people will like you. Some people won’t. Live your life and leave ideas about “phobias” in the dumpster where they belong.

Hey Wally, you may be "rounding third", but this umpire gives you the heave-ho.

Till next time ... ALOHA!