This may be the face of a man with his unmentionables caught in a wringer.
Ironically, the "fix" to RFRA as proposed may actually offer a layer of protection to the LGBT community that they didn't previously have. To refuse to sign the fix shows what we have known all along that this was a direct follow up to the passage of SSM and was directly meant as a way for business owners to refuse service to gays and lesbians.
If he signs it Micah, Eric and his rabid Christian Cronies heads explode in unison and he is branded as a RINO.
If he doesn't sign the State stays in the World News...not in a good way. It helps reinforce the idea that the bill's entire purpose was to discriminate...and we lose businesses, events, and revenues...as a bonus he also pisses off major Indianapolis businesses like Eli Lilly.
Not Good. This must be what President Obama feels like...pretty much ALL the time...don't you think?
Either option...he is still finished politically. So there is an upside, I guess.
To repeal RFRA may be his only option...that would be a punt.
We'll see.
And look at that face. How could you NOT feel sorry for that? Like a scolded puppy.
Let me explain.
Typically, I am certainly not a "cheer while the World is burning" kind of person. Okay, maybe sometimes I am. However...this time I am not only huddled around the bonfire..I've brought the fucking marshmallows, okay?
When Pence looks you in the face and says he did not know this bill was designed to legislate discrimination...he is LYING to you, okay? Mike and his band of Merry Uber Conservatives have been fighting gay rights/SSM since the year 2000. This entire piece of legislation was drafted in response to the legalization of SSM in Indiana.
It is a matter of public record.
Look it up.
And we don't even have to go back that far. Before the RFRA was signed- 30 law professors sent a signed statement of their own, warning Pence of the repercussions of signing such a bill. So how the hell could he be shocked and stunned at the blow-back he has received?
So...are you feeling a bit more like kicking the puppy now?
But wait...there is more...
How can we forget the George Stephanopoulos interview in which Pence was asked (less than a week ago) if he thought lesbians and gays should be discriminated against (regardless of this bill)...and asked to answer yes or no....three times,and he could not do it.
For the RECORD, Mr. Pence..the correct answer is NO.
If the question had been:
Is it okay to discriminate against Christians...the answer would STILL have been NO.
The correct answer is always
NO.
It isn't a "trick question". No "Gotcha" moment. Just being a goddamn human being.
"Okay...bring me my boots and that damned dog."
And, if you are still wondering why I am clutching the bag of Stay-Pufts; here is a response to today's proposed "fix" by one of the people who heavily supported this bill:
Advance America, the nonprofit lobbying group run by influential lobbyist Eric Miller, posted on its website that the "Indiana Senate and Indiana House of Representatives will be voting to destroy the Religious Freedom Restoration Act."
[sic]
The legislative fix forbids using the law to discriminate against someone's gender identification or sexual orientation.
REALLY?
"woof woof...yelp.."
So-
Add the Words or Repeal it. (Miz Carla sees a Repeal in her crystal ball...but you never know...)
We're waiting.
In the meanwhile both John Gregg (D) and Mayor Ballard (R) are now climbing over the still warm corpse and making all the right noises to kick off their 2016 Gubernatorial Run.
Pull up a seat and enjoy the fire. It is going to be a long night.
"Marshmallow, guys?"
OMG...............he signed it! The sound you just heard in the background was Micah, Eric and Smith's heads spontaneously exploding! Mike...I still won't vote you back into office...but you did the right thing, finally!
Disclaimer: No puppies were actually harmed in the making of this blog. Nor does the writer of said blog in any way support or encourage the kicking of puppies. Just politicians. Often Repeatedly.