David Corn's Stephanie Mencimer's "Scrubbing Santorum" from the new issue of Mother Jones started making the rounds today and led to news of an offer that is unlikely to be accepted -- but interesting to consider.
The story is, of course, about the now all-too-well established -- and successful -- effort by writer Dan Savage to make the now-former senator pay for his meandering comments to an Associated Press reporter in 2003 in which he compared homosexual activity to "man-on-dog" sex.
This led to the creative definition of santorum that was the result of a contest held by Savage and the associated "Spreading Santorum" website. Although most activists have long been aware of the Google power of this effort, Corn spreads the word (so to speak) with the article, adding word of an offer from Savage:
Savage has not forgiven Santorum for his seven-year-old comments: "Rick would have prevented me and my partner from being able to adopt my son," he points out. But Savage does have a deal for the politician. "If Rick Santorum wants to make a $5 million donation to [the gay marriage group] Freedom to Marry, I will take it down. Interest starts accruing now." Santorum may want to consider Savage's offer. Otherwise, he's kinda screwed.
Informed about the offer, Freedom to Marry's executive director, Evan Wolfson, told Metro Weekly:
Support for Freedom to Marry's national campaign would be welcome -- and a good way for Rick Santorum to start cleaning up the discriminatory mess he and his companions have made.
Based on recent comments, Santorum has no interest in cleaning up the mess -- or the Google hits for his name.
