WorldNutDaily: classy as ever

Amanda Simpson, both brainy and attractive

As you may be aware by now, President Obama is still breaking ground as he has reportedly appointed the first executive appointment of a transgendered person in naming Amanda Simpson [pictured] as a senior adviser to the Commerce Department. Her job will focus on working with military technology, something that her long career as a military test pilot working for defense contractors centered in advanced technology development – ie. literally, a rocket scientist – leaves her more than qualified for.

Of course, with her being a transgendered woman, you can expect that much of the brouhaha surrounding this particular executive pick will center, not on her stellar career and how she’s the right person for the job, but on how she was born Mitchell Simpson, whom she remained until ten years ago, when she had the sex change done. A second thing you can expect, is that the vast majority (if not all) of those focusing their attention on her gender and sexual identity, will be conservatives and wingnuts. The third thing you can expect, is that you can leave it to the headquarters of Wingnuts Incorporated, the WorldNutDaily, to report on this as though her sexuality and gender identity had any real relevancy in her being selected for her position. Of course, one more thing you can expect, is that the WND will be as classy and respectful as is, well, expected of them to be with regards to anything remotely LGBT-related.

Just take a look at their article, entitled “White House silent on Obama transgender 'appointee': Test pilot had 6 surgeries at cost of $70,000 to switch from male to female”. Because her gender and any surgeries she’s had are of utmost importance, here. (Ed Brayton says that the title used to be “See Obama's transgender 'pick' before and after surgery”, which only makes it even more relevant, what she used to look like as opposed to her present appearance.) You’ll also notice how they simply refuse to acknowledge the fact that Simpson is now a woman, stubbornly referring to her as a man and a “he”.

Let’s get something straight: when a man undergoes procedures to make him a woman, then the only pronoun you use from then on to address said person is “she”. Conversely, when a woman decides to become a man, you shall address that person as “he”. What gender a person was born into is irrelevant; all that matters, is the gender they’re a part of, presently. Hence why it’s called “gender identity”. You don’t call a woman, a man, and vice-versa. It’s not only wrong, it’s incredibly rude and classless.

Which, of course, perfectly explains the WND’s refusal to do anything but, considering their reaction is less about Simpson’s career and qualifications, and more about, “She used to be a man? EWWWWWWWWWW!”.

One more thing you will doubtlessly find in such a WND article, is the random nonsense from random idiots and cranks:

Peter LaBarbera, president of Americans for Truth, a "national organization devoted exclusively to exposing and countering the homosexual activist agenda," jokingly asked if there is some sort of "transgender quota" in the Obama administration.

"How far does this politics of gay and transgender activism go?" he said. "Clearly this is an administration that is pandering to the gay lobby."

Really, all I need to do is point out how these are the words from the president of a group that’s “devoted exclusively to exposing and countering the homosexual activist agenda”, and nothing else need be said. Though, I’d still like to comment on how cranks like this bigot obviously seem to believe that the fact that Obama made such an appointment, somehow indicates his administration is “pandering” to gay people. Right; it couldn’t be that Simpson was simply the best one for the job – it has to be because she’s transgendered. (Which, upon further reflection, only makes his mention of a “gay lobby” all the more moronic, as there is nothing “gay” about trans— Oh, but of course! I’d forgotten how conservative cranks use “gay” to denote anything remotely LGBT-related. Silly me.)

And also, the notion of Obama “pandering” to gay (read: LGBT) people is made all the more stupid when one notices how Obama has so far been exceedingly slow at fulfilling many of his campaign promises, such striking down “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and so on. He’s about as “pandering” to gay people as he is to Gitmo detainees. (You know, what with him promising to close Gitmo and free the innocents and all that. Things he’s failed to do so far, and in many cases, even ruled directly against.)

And, lastly, the final thing you can expect from the likes of the WND, is that seeing as they are not a news source by definition, but rather a compendium of wingnut blather and reactionary nonsense, they therefore need to rely upon the reactions of random bloggers and commenters as opposed to actual journalists.

• This administration is like going to see "Rent." What is normal? How about a homophobic gay man attracted to sheep as the next commander in chief? I'm down with that.

• Explain to your 7 year old why this man has boobs. Perhaps Obama can go on the "Oprah" show and explain the difference. I would love that lie.

• The comment by the appointee that "being first sucks" gived one a lot of confidence in the person's level of intelligence and competence. Every single time President Obama appoints someone, I wonder if that's really the best he can do.

• Obumbler is truly amazing. Now he nominated a man/woman? ... We independents can't wait until 2010 and 2012 to correct the biggest mistake we have ever made.

• Who cares if she's transgendered? She has an incredible resume and is actually qualified to do the job, unlike many political appointees. ... The amount of poor choices made by this administration is astounding.

• Who cares? We have a hell of a lot more to worry about than that. I bet she has more b---s than most in D.C.

Well, I guess the ratio of two sane and reasonable comments to three dumbass ejaculations is better than nothing, especially by WND’s standards.

WND: nothing but wingnut ideology and faux outrage masquerading as a news website.

(via Dispatches From the Culture Wars)