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Education

Liberal Columbia Professor Keeps Job Despite Pleading Guilty to Incest Charge

Jun. 21, 2011 12:15pm Christopher Santarelli

Last December Columbia University Professor David Epstein was in the headlines. Not for his blog posts at the Huffington Post on issues ranging from torture to Sarah Palin, but rather for his arrest and charge of having participated in a three year sexual relationship with his 24-year-old daughter. The Columbia Spectator’s Jackie Carrero and Mikey Zhong have reported that despite pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge for attempted incest on May 10, Mr. Epstein will remain a Professor at the $40,000+ yearly tuition Ivy League university.

Mr. Epstein taught at Columbia University along with his wife, a political science professor, and the two were featured in a 2008 Spectator article on professors who “bring love to work.” Manhattan District Attorney’s office criminal complaint in December read that “professor David Epstein’s incest was committed between July 2006 and June 2009 at University Apartment Housing building on 120th Street,” and the New York Daily News reported that the relationship featured “twisted text messages.”

Mr. Epstein was placed under conditional discharge for one year, which the Spectrum commented was “essentially a less invasive form of probation.” The case has left critics in the blogesphere puzzled:

“If a professor committed such a crime on university property, wouldn’t Columbia be justified in firing Epstein? Surely such behavior violates some aspect of university policy, and yet it appears that Epstein remains a full-time faculty member in good standing.”

If professor Epstein’s crime is not justified for removal from his position at Columbia University what is?

(H/T: Fox Nation)

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Comments (162)

NJTMATO
Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:47pm
Of course he should stay on….after all, sex with one’s daughter doesn’t affect his teaching ability!!! How about having Spitzer and Weiner in as guest speakers on the additional ways one can cheat on one’s wife, after all, there are so many ways, and they are changing fast. Jesus must be coming soon because things continue on moral decline. Wisdom is no longer sought in college, it is contrived out of sick minds and spoon fed. It’s terribly, horribly sad and disgusting.

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LIBSALWAYSLIE
Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:46pm
Liberal values? no such thing

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- JRook
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 6:34pm
  Oh come on your going to claim that conservatives have hold and display better values than liberals. So Jim Baker, Jimmy Swaggart, Newt G. are pillars of character and values. Unfortunately the list of dirt bags is far too long in both groups and both parties.
  
  Report this comment
- 338lapua
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 8:47pm
  @jrook, which one of those folks was a conservative?
  All you listed were three opportunistic crazy people. Conservatives are a different animal.
  
  Report this comment
NuffSaid
Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:42pm
Sound like he’s met the eligibility requirements for Anthony Wiener vacant seat in District 9. At least this moron didn’t share his favors with strangers. Seems like liberals are improving is there sexual practices, shows a growth of real liberal, family values.

Just out of curiosity, does Professor Epstein have a dog?

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- 338lapua
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 8:41pm
  Please….no. I really like dogs.
  
  Report this comment
Ernesto
Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:42pm
You libs must be proud.

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Lesbian Packing Hollow Points
Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:41pm
When Conservatives refer to family values, they mean a loving family where the children value success in the schoolhouse.

Apparently, when Liberals refer to family values, they mean successfully making love to the family’s children in school housing.

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Sr Newk
Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:40pm
Maybe now CNN or maybe MSNBC might hire him on the side and provide him with a 6 figur salary a political consultant. After all the best specialist of drunk or druggie is a former drunk or drug user, between him and Spitzer they can get the best of both worlds. After all you have a political pervert side of view and the view point of a lawyer experienced as a professional horror user to discuss sexual escapades of the politicians.

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DJM319
Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:39pm
“… 3 year relationship with his 24-yr old daughter… pleads guilty to a misdemeanor charge for ‘attempted’ incest.”

What would he need to do to be charged with incest, if this constitutes ‘attempted’? I can’t believe that any law enforcement agency would allow a defense attorney to plea down this charge to one that doesn’t even admit the act. Any D.A. would be scrutinize, and rightly so, by public outcry… wouldn’t they?

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- Chet Hempstead
  Posted on June 22, 2011 at 5:09am
  Unless they shot video of themselves or cops busted in the door and found them doing it, how would you prove he closed the deal? You would at least need his daughter’s testimony. Very likely she was either unwilling to testify, or in such a fragile emotional state that it would be cruel to put her on the stand,, or she was obviously crazy and would make a poor impression on the jury.
  
  Report this comment
Pattondog
Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:38pm
his 24year old daughter, i suspect its been going on longer than just 3years . poor brainwashd girl and what a sick excuse of a man.
seriously you want to keep a person on your staff that demonstrates such behavior.
I wouldnt buy supplies from a company that had a person as such openly employed,
Liberals dont care they cheer for this.

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FREDD The WILSON
Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:35pm
True Royalty. Attempting to reproduce with his own to keep the blue blood flowing.Hail to the King of Columbia University.. a true dirtbag.

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- Mainer forever
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 2:06pm
  Gross!!
  
  Report this comment
liberalsarealiens
Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:32pm
How about morality? Oh, that’s right it’s a university job. Anthing goes with them except a conservative view!.

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flsnipe
Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:27pm
Does this really surprise anyone? They promote some of the most vial crap out there! Now if he promoted conservitive values he would be terminated.

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CalvinandHobbes
Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:26pm
You can get away with anything…as long as you are a liberal…I hope his wife takes him to the cleaners; the perv!

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- 338lapua
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 8:40pm
  How much you wanna bet the wife was either in on it, or participated?
  DO NOT underestimate the depths….
  
  Report this comment
I.Gaspar
Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:25pm
Come on….give the “poor guy” a break. What’s a little incest when you’re helping to transform the country?
He shouldn’t be fired; he should go before a firing squad.

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CS_GUY
Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:25pm
Bring him to the South and drop him off. Case closed………..

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FedUpWithLeft
Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:23pm
This guy looks like a pervert and as always liberals do not see anything wrong with this behavior because this is the mind set of the left. They are some of the nastiest people in this world. People home school your children and do not let them go to these colleges because all they are making them is useful idiots.

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RN MOM
Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:23pm
Ah liberals…What can we say? What a pig! And yet Columbia will be happy to keep him on, he fits right in.

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- JRook
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 6:29pm
  You really want to get into a discussion of where the majority of incest and sexual abuse is being committed. Don’t think you will find it is in on the liberal coasts.
  
  Report this comment
- 338lapua
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 8:31pm
  And the liberal enclaves should keep these folks. Those of us who actually believe Gods word, and LIVE by it should stop being surprised by the depths of depravity that the fallen can sink to. God told us these people exist, and will exist. We can admonish them to straighten up and fly right……but come on, they aren’t going to listen. They are fallen, they are arrogant in their rebellion. God WILL sort these things out in the end. As sick as this makes me, and I really mean sick, I need to have faith that I am not the on to whom these folks answer. Men love the darkness.
  
  Report this comment
agameofthrones
Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:22pm
Liberals will be able to come up with some explanation of how this is okay. How this guy can stay on as a full-time faculty member in “good standing” is beyond me. What exaxtly do you have to do to get fired at Columbia? That thought should give you the creeps big time!

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- drattastic
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:29pm
  Mentioning God might do it .
  
  Report this comment
- drattastic
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:37pm
  Or how about denying man made global warming. Standing with Israel .Defending the unborn. Openly opposing obama . Coming out for marriage between a man and woman only.Support Sealing the southern border .Saying Islamic terrorist .I can go on but you get the picture ,all of these things would probably get you fired at Columbia.
  
  Report this comment
- Untameable-kate
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 1:58pm
  Drattastic, you are sooo fired!
  
  Oh never mind, you aren’t a leftie, baby killing, God denying, pedophile school teacher. So I guess it is ok for you to speak of such things.
  
  Report this comment
- Anonymous T. Irrelevant
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 2:15pm
  Liberals are already defending him. They are saying it was between consenting adults.
  It is STILL unlawful.
  
  Report this comment
JRook
Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:21pm
Hmmm, but if he told a sexually explicit joke to a female employee he would be fired for sexual harassment. Is there no standard for character and competency??

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Gonzo
Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:21pm
If America is going to accept gay marriage and homosexuality as a normal way of life, get ready to do the same for incest between consenting adults.

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- SHASTADIANE1
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:46pm
  Gonzo, I believe you are right. Everytime one thing is accepted that has been considered “against the norm for generations”, it starts a landslide of further falls into the muddy mire.
  
  Report this comment
- walkwithme1966
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 2:36pm
  Gonzo – it will never happen and I believe there is more to this story than this article is telling!
  http://wp.me/pYLB7-15v
  
  Report this comment
- becauseitmatters
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 5:32pm
  @ walkwithme1966
  
  That’s what they said about abortion never being paid by our taxes. They said we just want to teach another idea when it came to evolution….now we can’t teach about God in the public school. It used to be illegal to rent a home/appartment to couples who were not married. Now it’s common place for kids to grow up in broken families. Like my husband said slippery slopes only invite worse behavior. Whatever happened to shame. We seem to not know what that is in our country anymore, and that is a shame.
  
  Report this comment
- 338lapua
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 8:19pm
  Absolutely Gonzo! Matter of fact, those of us who might be “judgemental” about these “relationships” are in fact hateful dolts who havn’t evolved enough to participate fully in society.
  Wow….we are troglodytes!
  
  Report this comment
Slowman101
Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:21pm
Wow. A real perv! Gives new meaning to keeping it in the family. Wonder if the wife knew?

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- chips1
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:41pm
  Do they have a son?
  
  Report this comment
- hauschild
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:43pm
  Liberals? Of course knew.
  
  Liberals view marriage as more a partnership anyway, so I’m sure it didn’t cause a rift that didn’t already exists.
  
  Also, the daughter must be a real piece of work.
  
  Report this comment
- Nobamazone
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 2:03pm
  hauschild
  do you really think this is something that just started between this young girl and her father? I don’t. My (educated) guess is that he has been committing incest a very long time with this girl and it has become normal to her, that is what she has been taught from (most likely) a very young age. Somehow he was found out THIS TIME, the article does not give many details into how he finally found out, but don’t think for one minute that this is something new in this family.
  
  Report this comment
banjarmon
Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:21pm
Follow Weiner’s lead and resign and leave!

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TH30PH1LUS
Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:21pm
Columbia University has it ALL, kids! Great guest speakers like Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and awesome professors – some are strippers, some have sex with their own kids! It’s like, totally diverse and stuff!

Parents, hurry up and enroll them now!

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yanki161
Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:21pm
If professor Epstein’s crime is not justified for removal from his position at Columbia University what is?

The teaching of conservative viewpoints.

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- lcam67
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:53pm
  Teaching conservative views, that will get him the chair.
  
  Report this comment
- Marylou7
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 1:28pm
  By golly I think you have it.
  
  Report this comment
nacilbuper
Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:20pm
And we wonder what is wrong with America. Here is you sign.

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- Exrepublisheep
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:52pm
  We could call it the “Vitter Effect”.
  
  Report this comment
- Marylou7
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 1:26pm
  Did Vitter have sex with one of his children? Asking, don’t know.
  
  Report this comment
- SlimnRanger
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 4:31pm
  I am country and i do know how to casterate,this Prefessor needs it done,i will make sure to use a rusty dull knife,Hope i didn’t offend anyone with that language but this is so moraly wrong,Now i gotta pray because the Bible teaches us “Vengance is mine saith the Lord”
  
  Report this comment
- 338lapua
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 8:22pm
  @slim.
  Way out here in flyover country, we de-ball the livestock with powerfull rubber bands. They cut the blood flow and eventually the offenders fall off and then heal. Just sayin.
  
  Report this comment
TexasCommonSense
Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:19pm
Criminal charges mean little to Liberals.

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- banjarmon
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:23pm
  What is his home state??? West Virginia???
  
  Report this comment
- CatB
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:24pm
  Resume enhancer … to progressives/liberals.
  
  Report this comment
- drattastic
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:28pm
  Disgusting.
  
  Report this comment
- smithclar3nc3
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:29pm
  I didn’t know Columbia was in West Virginia.
  
  Report this comment
- Aaron in Polk County
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:30pm
  Love them liberal professors.
  
  Report this comment
- fastfacts
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:30pm
  It has been proven that democrats are more unethical than republicans by over 3:1. And that is just out of those in leadership in DC: ( http://tiny.cc/w6zx3 )
  
  Report this comment
- VegasGuy
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:31pm
  Columbia is one wacko university. What parent in their right mind would send their child to this institution?
  
  Report this comment
- Anonymous T. Irrelevant
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:31pm
  They have no shame, either. This is one of the worst crimes anyone could ever commit. Betraying and molesting your own daughter. He needs to be chemically or physically castrated.
  
  Report this comment
- Sound The Trumpet In Zion
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:31pm
  @TexasCommonSense
  I couldn’t have said it better. I guess Columbia is going to be proud to be known as the college where their professors are allowed to commit incest and whatever else they want to do. I wouldn’t be surprised if next a story comes out where one of their professors admits to having a sexual relationship with their dog or some other animal. Of course if they did that then probably Columbia would probably throw them a celebration party or something like that. Remember children, if your parent teaches at Columbia, you are free to attend that college so that your parent can have incest with you (and if you say anything about it, you will probably be expelled from school).
  
  Report this comment
- Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:32pm
  @TexasCommonSense:
  
  Indeed, nothing means much in regards to the law with the liberal and progressive left. Even in the most deplorable fashion such as this case here…reprehensable to say the least.
  
  Have the rains returned to TX yet? My friends and a local church keep praying for them to do so.
  
  Keep up the stand for the States Rights, I feel the administration is about to unleash hades itself on your state soon if the TSA no – molest bill goes through.
  
  Report this comment
- Anonymous T. Irrelevant
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:36pm
  Columbia student parents need to complain about this pervert teaching their children. Something tells me that they don’t mind. What is it with liberals and round glasses? I was watching the AVI awards the other day and most of the actors had these stupid round glasses on and couldn’t resist exposing their ignorance by cursing whenever they spoke.
  
  Report this comment
- chips1
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:39pm
  SOUND:
  Now that you mentioned it, haven’t heard about BO’s dog lately.
  
  Report this comment
- hauschild
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:39pm
  His parents must be so very proud.
  
  Report this comment
- oldasdirt
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:41pm
  Which is more troubleing.The fact he did it? Or.The fact “We the People” are letting him get away with it.
  Yes Cat: Might be a future congressman right there.
  
  Report this comment
- Sound The Trumpet In Zion
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:42pm
  @SNOW
  This isn’t TexasCommonSense but no we have not had any rain to speak of. A little dribble here and a little dribble there. We keep praying and carrying our umbrella’s (if we pray for rain we better be prepared for rain LOL). A lot of us are hoping that if we stand up against the Feds that God will Bless us with rain.
  
  TexasCommonSense – I hope I’m not “stepping on your toes” answering this.
  
  Report this comment
- SpankDaMonkey
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:42pm
  .
  Makes me want to PUKE!….. Our grandson was beaten-up over a french fry. A tuff Texas judge let the guy go too……
  
  I wish they would leave these 2 with me for a day or 2. I would require the following 2 very hungry calves,
  and a lawn chair and a cooler full of beer.
  
  Report this comment
- southerngal
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 12:43pm
  i cant wait for the first homosexual to claim in discust ” wow, what is the world coming to when this kind of thing is allowed”, but anal sex with my partner , well thats just dandy. Bring it on NEW YORK. When the foundations that protect your right to demand that which is not your to have in the first place, all bets are off and there will be no one to protect you.
  
  Report this comment
- Weiners Wiener
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 1:00pm
  @ Benjarmon — According to Google, the highest rates on incest in the U.S. occur in Washington D.C. and New York City. Seriously. So your West Virginia joke is just a tired, old stereotype.
  
  Report this comment
- Mainer forever
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 1:08pm
  What a sick, sad, icky story. The whole family needs help…and LOTS of it!!!!
  
  Report this comment
- Dale
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 1:10pm
  Weiners Wiener
  @ Benjarmon — According to Google, the highest rates on incest in the U.S. occur in Washington D.C. and New York City. Seriously. So your West Virginia joke is just a tired, old stereotype.
  ————————–
  Anthony, you’re getting a little sensitive.
  
  Report this comment
- ConsiderThis
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 1:19pm
  How can we be surprised?
  “Progressives/Liberals” and “moral standards” are incompatible terms when used together.
  
  Report this comment
- LetFR33DOMRING
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 1:20pm
  One of the more retarded posts on here. It’s as illegal in WV as it is anywhere. Stereotype people much? Idiot.
  
  Report this comment
- Dustyluv
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 1:24pm
  Make a new meaning to ‘I love my kids” doesn’t it? The idiot should be shot.
  
  Report this comment
- Eric_The_Red_State
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 1:42pm
  I thought about sending my kid to Columbia – for about a microsecond.
  Then I woke up.
  
  Ps – It’s HARD to find a non-liberal college these days. God knows I looked.
  pss – my kid goes to Gonzaga now. (In Washington)
  Still too liberal for my liking – but they are Catholic
  
  Report this comment
- DagneyT
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 1:50pm
  Exactly. To liberals, they are a resume enhancement!
  
  Report this comment
- jedi.kep
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 2:43pm
  Only liberals believe there is nothing wrong with this guy. Unreal. Thank you teachers union!
  
  Report this comment
- HKS
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 2:49pm
  Is that tenure from government schools great or what? “What a country”
  
  Report this comment
- GEORGEJONES
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 2:55pm
  That is right! This behavior is acceptable at Columbia?
  
  Report this comment
- cassandra
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 3:20pm
  I’m sure the unions will put him in a rubber room and let him continue to be paid
  
  Report this comment
- plugthedamnhole
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 3:33pm
  Home State……DC
  
  Report this comment
- SpankDaMonkey
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 3:50pm
  ,
  I wonder if they caught him on take your kid to work day………
  
  Report this comment
- Bigliardi
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 3:55pm
  @Banjarmon….Nah….I looked into this and found that in fact he is a regular poster on the Blaze, and that his screen name is Banjarmon….Good try freakboy….Give your daughter a break, will you…?…
  
  Report this comment
- Want our country back
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 3:56pm
  Liberals like Weiner have no shame for exposing themselves to the whole world, a professor pleads guilty to INCEST has no shame & keeps his job…. no shame, no standards, no rules, no regulations, no consequences, no outrage, no boundaries…. NO WONDER WE’RE ALL SCREWED
  
  If ever there was a call to action it’s this one.
  
  Glad to be a conservative.
  
  I support Glenn, Israel and the USA
  
  Report this comment
- Brighter_Bart
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 4:22pm
  Was the teacher man burning the incest at home or in the classroom where somebody can have allergies to the smells?
  
  Report this comment
- chazman
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 4:31pm
  Well, if Columbia U invites Aquaman from Iran to speak to the students, then a Godless pervert among the kids shouldn’t be a problem, huh? Personally, I’d like to take a flame thrower to that bastion of higher education!!
  
  Report this comment
- TomFerrari
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 4:39pm
  Boycott Columbia – if you have a child enrolled, withdraw them – if you know someone who is, get them to withdraw.
  
  Oh, I forgot, it’s primarily the fascist socialist democrat people who attend ivy league schools these days.
  
  Report this comment
- nptden
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 4:46pm
  This is what liberals do, and what they teach our kids. What problem, this is the ‘change’ they are fighting for. This is the ‘fundamental transformation’ of our society. Get it? They are already ignoring our constitution and ruling by ‘executive’ order and agencies.
  
  Report this comment
- avenger
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 5:23pm
  wow…what a Not surprise…
  
  Report this comment
- Kerby Clark
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 5:46pm
  (PS) GeorgeJones, your aviatar looks like a symbol used around here for “alternate lives” hint, hint.
  
  Report this comment
- 338lapua
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 8:16pm
  I guess incest is just fine!
  Look very closely, that is the face of the democrat party……
  
  Report this comment
- Ruler4You
  Posted on June 21, 2011 at 8:50pm
  If liberals answered to a moral standard things MIGHT be different. But, since liberals are amoral no such concern will be expressed among the popular demons.
  
  Report this comment

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