Politicians: So not ‘wacky’

It’s no secret that I’m not quite fond of politicians. Sure, they’re okay when they do things like lower my taxes or help the poor or do something unintentionally hilarious, but other than that, what are they good for? Invading Iraq? Protecting the constitutional rights to not have two men or women enter into a lifelong legal contract? Being corrupt?

Right. The only politicians I am a big fan of are underdogs, be they third party candidates or underdog Democrats or Republicans in primaries. That guy in Ohio who wants to make homosexuality a capital crime? Love him. Sure, he’s a bigot, but he’s only going to embarass himself (and people like him) by running in this election and saying he wants to ban gays and evolution and Islam and whatever else. (Oh yeah: He’s a Democrat.)

Anyway, the current underdogs in the 2006 Senate election are Chuck Pennachio and Alan Sandals on the Democratic side and John Featherman on the Republican side. This blog is oh-so-down with them and their miniscule chances. Republican incumbent Rick Santorum recently agreed to debate Featherman, and I wrote that Featherman is “one of those wacky libertarian/socially liberal types who’s Republican just, well, because.” I didn’t think this was all that much of a shot at him, and not something to be taken seriously. (I did say John Street wanted to steal your soul, after all.)

Featherman, though, didn’t agree. In my email box this morning:

To: dmac@philadelphiawilldo.com

From: John Featherman
Subject: My good name

Mr. McQuade,

I do not think we have ever met, but you have labeled me as “wacky” on your blog. Can you please explain why you are publicly staining my reputation? Have I done or said anything you find offensive? Have I taken any public positions you find “wacky?”

I work very hard as a Realtor, instructor at Temple University, and privacy advocate. I spend a lot of time helping people that have been victims of identity theft, stalking and scams. You are welcome to come to my classes at Temple.

I would appreciate to know why you make fun of me. Perhaps if you met me and you knew my history as someone who overcame a tremendous physical handicap you might think differently.

I emailed him back saying that “wacky” was indeed a compliment on this blog — kind of like what happened to “queer,” I’m trying to reclaim the word (and, yes, if you’re wondering, I just made this up now) — but that I’d delete it in a special one-time-only offer since he took the time to email me. Plus, if someone wants me to delete a compliment I made, I will gladly delete it.

Anyway, I wanted you guys to know. Consider this a correction: John Featherman, socially liberal and fiscally conservative Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, is not wacky. Philadelphia Will Do regrets the error.

John Featherman
Senate hopeful says world’s turned from God [Sandusky Register]
Yesterday: Quickies: Business as usual
March 2: John Street has really, finally, officially joined the ranks of the great Philadelphia mayors