Politically Correct

July 9, 2002

How politically correct do we have to be? Why would USDA take the lead in a truly goofy act?

Walk into the Administration Building at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That's where the Secretary is officed. Read the sign, "Celebrate Gay and Lesbian Pride Month" -- the month of June.

Now what am I missing here? Why should USDA, "The People's Department", be celebrating? I could say promoting pride in a gay and lesbian life style. Is that appropriate activity for our Department of Agriculture? USDA memo reads, "One of the nation's greatest strengths is the rich diversity of its people." Okay. Fine. I buy that. Diversity is great. Just do the work. You can be black, white, American Indian, Asian-Protestant, Catholic, Muslim, Hindu -- gay or straight. Who cares? Get the job done.

The memo makes an effort to justify the celebration by citing some Executive Order which prohibits sexual-orientation discrimination in the federal work place. We all should be against discrimination in the workplace. I think discrimination is indefensible. Despicable. But USDA is talking about a celebration of a single group of people and their life style. Why don't they have a celebration for left handed pig farmers? Why not for Caucasians of German descent? That's me.

Why does one group deserve to be singled out? I don't think that USDA's politically correct pandering is what taxpayers and farmers expect from their depart. That's just myoId fashioned opinion.

Until next week, I am John Block -- reporting from Washington.