In a way, though, I’d like to see this debated. I’m sure there are some conservatives that will try to push this as an issue. But it might not be a winning issue for them.

http://www.washingtonblade.com/2011/09/17/bachmann-anti-gay-bullying-not-a-federal-issue/

I don’t think she’s stupid, but she may be as weird and crazy as some people say. It may be that she just doesn’t think on her feet very well. She already has a reputation for making more off the cuff erroneous statements than other politicians. This one wasn’t a random mental vagarie, though, it clearly has an ideological motivation.

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As to responsibility to help one’s constituents, isn’t that referred to as constituent services? There’s nothing wrong with a congressperson intervening appropriately in a state or local matter to help constituents.

But the constituents she is helping here are the bullies, and bigoted parents and school officials.

Bachmann claims it isn’t a federal issue partially so she can wrap it in states’ rights rhetoric, but mostly because she’s a hardcore fundamentalist who probably believes that anti-LGBT bullying should flourish because it “discourages homosexuality”.

The Department of Education has its hands in all kinds of things. Anti-LGBT bullying is something it may have a responsibility to address. And indeed, I think it’s done so under Obama, through Kevin Jennings’ office when he was there.

Legally, I don’t see why Congress couldn’t pass and the president sign a law requiring schools to address anti-LGBT bullying.

Lucrece: So are murder, rape and theft yet in most cases those are state issues and not Federal. Well, unless they take place on Federal property of course. Public schools are run by the states and it is at that level that matters such as bullying should be addressed, not the Feds.

On that principle ALONE, I feel that I am morally obligated to oppose this … person.