A principled defense.

After reading Ruth Conniff's article "Rick Santorum's America" (October issue), one would think that progressives are as afraid to espouse principles of sexual justice as the conservative Senator from Pennsylvania himself.

In her article, Conniff fails to confront one of the most vitriolic homophobes in Washington with a principled defense of those whose non-normative sexualities make them most vulnerable to Santorum-style gay-bashing. Readers of The Progressive might expect at least a few words of support for those queers who are striving against increasingly formidable odds to maintain a public culture of sexuality where freedom and individuality are honored, diversity is respected, and information is shared.

Instead, Conniff trots out a mythic lesbian couple with a meticulously manicured lawn, enchanting garden gnomes, and a penchant for "minding their own business." Conniff might take note that to many members of the queer community, minding one's own business is a synonym for hiding one's sexuality behind a well-tended facade of middle class respectability.

When progressives are afraid to mount a principled defense of sexual justice on behalf of those who need it most, we cede the stage to rightwing demagogues like Santorum who exploit notions of family and marriage to advance their intolerant agendas.

David Hinz

South Burlington, Vermont