We Hardly Knew Ye, Ed - Last word on the subject, I promise. (Fingers crossed behind back.)

The Schrock saga hit the WaPo editorial page this week. Disappointingly, the WashBlade basically phoned in their story, cribbing heavily from wire copy. Both outlets clucked disapprovingly over the tactics used by Rogers et al., then proceeded to justify the publication of private sexual history in this case. The Post called the outing "upsetting" but noted that it exposed possible hypocrisy of a man whose "repugnant" comments have been "part of the problem" retarding acceptance of gays and lesbians. The Blade meanwhile used Rep. Jim Moran (D-Va.) as their mouthpiece, quoting this soundbite: "It wasn’t so much about his sexual orientation, but his character. [If] it is a matter of contrasting what they do in private life with what they say in public life, I think that’s fair game."

A final note: Many sources have pointed to Schrock's belief that "don't ask, don't tell" should be repealed, allowing gays to be kicked out of the military. But if you closely analyze the most outrageous thing he said, it was almost pro-gay:

You're in the showers with them, you're in the bunk room with them, you're in staterooms with them. You just hope no harm would come by folks who are of that persuasion. It's a discipline thing.

(Emphasis mine.) Given the nature of the allegations on which he resigned, it may be that Congressman knew first-hand the potential risks faced by even closeted gays in the military.