Gov. Matt Bevin has crossed the line this time in his criticism of Kentuckians, saying their opinions do not count. He now owes us all an apology.
In a radio interview Tuesday with Terry Meiners on 840 WHAS radio, Bevin finally responded to Donald Trumps video about grabbing women. He did not defend Trumps comments, but then he went on to call those who found it offensive hypocrites.
Why, pray tell?
Because they watch 50 Shades of Grey, listen to rap music and play Grand Theft Auto.
The difference, Matthew Griswold, is that Trump is the one running for president. People are listening to music in their cars and playing games in their homes. Theyre not bothering you, and theyre not running for president!
And why do you single out rap music? Why invoke the decades-old, race-baiting dog whistle?
But this is what our governor thinks of those who who find Trumps comments offensive although you find a sexual-predator candidate disgusting, your opinion does not count because you listen to your rap music and play your video games.
Bevin owes everyone an apology. He owes his Republican, conservative base an apology because thats an unfair representation of what Republicans think of Kentuckians. And he owes everyone else an apology because: Who the hell is he to disparage his constituents who find sexual assault offensive, particularly from a candidate for president?
LEO asked the governors spokesman whether Bevin planned to apologize or would provide more explanation of his comments. We will update when we receive a reply.
For a good, evangelical Christian, he sure has no problem judging others.
Sexual assault vs. rap music and video games is not a moral equivalency.
Moreover, this is further evidence of Bevins relentless mission to project his conservative religiosity onto the rest of us. He doesnt have to play video games or listen to rap music, but he has to respect the freedom and privilege Americans have to enjoy these forms of entertainment. And governor, if you dont like them, then dont let your kids play those games, or listen to those musicians, but dont you dare use others as a scapegoat to brush-over the despicable behavior of Donald Trump its shameful.
I understand tensions are running high, and youre desperation to take over the entire state government is palpable. But this is an easy apology, and people will respect someone who admits his political sins. Its an easy one too: Im sorry. I got carried away during a radio interview and did not make my point very well it was not my intention to stereotype and disparage Americans who find sexual assault offensive
Well, I guess thats over 140 characters, so youll have to figure out a way to make it fit Twitter, but youre such a Twitter pro, Im sure that wont be difficult for you. Unfortunately, I will not be able to read his tweet because Bevin blocked me from his feed Oct. 27.
Here is what Bevin told Meiners:
I found it offensive as everybody else did. I have not met one person who hasnt found it offensive. But heres what I also know the same hypocrites who are supposedly outraged and offended by this, are the very same people that I guarantee you were first in line to go watch 50 Shades of Grey, to see if its as trashy as the book theyve read. And they probably listen to rap music on their way home to go play Grand Theft Auto with their kids. And be encouraged to take other equally vulgar actions and language. Its the hypocrisy of it that Im offended by. Was it inappropriate? Of course. It was foul, it was vulgar and it shouldnt have any place in the public discourse. But with that said, sadly it does. And Americans, by the millions, pay billions of dollars a year to be exposed to the very same type trash in movies and in music and video games.
Listen to it here:
This article appears in November 2, 2016.