Reply #7: Closet case == open to subversion and blackmail [View All]

[TechBear_Seattle]

The ONLY reason to live in the closet is fear. Such fear makes one very susceptible to blackmail and other means of subversion. Our lawmakers, especially national law makers with access to national security secrets, should not hold office when they are so susceptible.

The difference between living a secret life that you will go to great lengths to protect, and living an open life, is quite literally a matter of national importance. I could not care less about a person's "lifestyle" or sexuality; I do care very much about when secrecy about one's "lifestyle" or sexuality make it much easier to subvert our political system.

And for the record, I am a gay man. I have been face to face with bigotry, discrimination and hate because of it. I had one friend murdered because he was gay. Nonetheless, I feel that gay politicians must either be open and honest about being gay, or should stay out of politics and the public spotlight entirely.