That’s “burn” with a “u,” needless to say. As in, got (presidentially) burned.
As I’m sure you know, the Obama Justice Department recently came out swinging on the issue of transgender rights, and it is a beautiful thing to watch. As somebody who was critical of the Obama administration’s seemingly glacial movement on LGBT rights during those first two years, this is the kind of leadership and exercise of federal power on behalf of the oppressed that makes me so proud to have voted for Obama.
The Justice Department’s directive to public schools to let transgender students use the restroom that matches their gender identity has predictably infuriated all the right people. Here in Texas, of course, Republicans are stamping their feet and wailing, and Governor Greg Abbott has even hinted that the North Carolina “bathroom bill” may be coming to the Lone Star State. But perhaps none have been so loud as Lt. Governor and certifiable whackjob radio host Dan Patrick. From the Texas Tribune:
No elected official was more vocal than Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who called it a "modern come-and-take-it issue" and "the biggest issue facing families, schools, in America since prayer was taken out of public schools." Patrick urged Texas superintendents to resist pressure from the federal government to follow the guidelines.
"He says he's going to withhold funding if schools do not follow the policy," Patrick said of Obama. "Well, in Texas, he can keep his 30 pieces of silver. We will not be blackmailed by the president of the United States."
I still can’t quite comprehend the fact that this man holds arguably the most powerful statewide elected office. And, evidently, neither can the Obama White House. Because when asked to respond to the above comments, White House spokesperson Josh Earnest delivered what can only be described as a sick burn:
This does underscore the risk of electing a right-wing radio host to a statewide elected office.
After pausing a moment to let that sink in, he added:
Let’s just walk through the facts here…This is guidance issued by the Department of Education and Department of Justice in response to request for information and guidance from school administrators across the country…This is not an enforcement action.
Watch:
Ouch. Dan Patrick, click here.
I don’t know about you, but I’m savoring the second term. No matter who wins in November, I am going to miss this White House.
What do you want to kibitz about tonight?