Morals, Double-Think, and Class

If you haven't heard, Dick Cheney gets angry when others point out his hypocrisy. This January, on an interview with Wolf Blitzer, Cheney was asked how he felt about the statement made by James Dobson's group Focus on the Family: “Mary Cheney’s pregnancy raises the question of what’s best for children. Just because it’s possible to conceive a child outside of the relationship of a married mother and father doesn’t mean it’s best for the child,” Blitzer read, quoting the organization. Asked if Cheney wanted to respond, the vice president paused and stared at Blitzer before saying, "No, I don't." He added, "I think, frankly, you’re out of line with that question. ... I just fundamentally disagree with your perspective.” Lest we be accused of Liberal Media Bias, this report is from Fox News, not exactly a bleeding heart group. Also, you can watch the video here. Recall my post Reflexive Morality from early December, where I wondered how Cheney could show such contempt for America's gay community through his party politics, and yet be afraid to discuss the ramifications of these policies within his own family. Both Cheney and his wife have dodged these questions on multiple occasions. I wonder what the VP would say if he was being honest with us? Are his words to be trusted, or his actions - seeing as the two are diametrically opposed to one another... The type of legislation Cheney and his party friends support is of the type passed in my home state, Michigan, in 2004. The Defense of Marriage Amendment states: "To secure and preserve the benefits of marriage for our society and for future generations of children, the union of one man and one woman in marriage shall be the only agreement recognized as a marriage or similar union for any purpose." This led directly to the recent Michigan court of appeals decision reported here. The impact is that gay couples cannot receive health benefits because of the "for any purpose" portion of the amendment. Fortunately for her, Mary Cheney has the financial means (through her parents) that will ensure she will not be affected. Cheney's type of "morality" applies to all, but only affects those of "lower" class and economic means. The penalty for being gay is purely financial. The VP attacks gay rights in words and with legislation, yet supports them personally in his own family. He uses words to further his political causes, and hides behind his self-righteous anger when people question the gap between his words and his actions. Here's some advice for the VP: Be careful how you swing the moral hammer - it may come back to hit you in the face.