STFU.

"Here is the difference. Bull Connor was hosing people down in the streets of Alabama. John Lewis got his skull cracked on the Selma bridge."

Mike Huckabee on the View, explaining that the gays have not been physically assaulted enough to be comparable to the Civil Rights Movement, via Towleroad.  More STFU here. 

STFU.

When asked about his perspective on social issues—gay marriage, abortion—Prince tapped his Bible and said, “God came to earth and saw people sticking it wherever and doing it with whatever, and he just cleared it all out. He was, like, ‘Enough.’ ”

The author of "Sexy Motherfucker" and "Get Off" via New Yorker. 

"Look, I think there is a gay and secular fascism in this country that wants to impose its will on the rest of us, is prepared to use violence, to use harassment. I think it is prepared to use the government if it can get control of it. I think that it is a very dangerous threat to anybody who believes in traditional religion."

Newt Gingrich via Queerty.

“We are a professional Army and professional units don’t conceal their identity by wearing masks.  He expressed appreciation for the service and sacrifice of the interpreters but said those dissatisfied with the new policy ‘can seek alternative employment.’”

Lieutenant Colonel Steve Stover, a military spokesman on the US military banning Iraqis from  wearing masks, via George Packer.  Packer's phenomenal report on Iraqis who work for the US military here.  

More STFU here.

STFU.

Inspired by the insanely wise Surowiecky with some finishing touches by hopefully-soon-to-be-contributor Brian, I decided to start a new feature here, Shut the Fuck Up, to call out things that should have stayed unsaid.  

From yesterday, there is the W speech at the Manhattan Institute that enraged Surowiecky, demonstrating both the gift of relentless denial and reminding us just how excruciating the next 70 days could be; some good highlights from Felix Salomon here. 

The day before, just as the gays were protesting and marching for that silly thing known are equal rights, Elton John chimes in from Cipriani on Wall Street to tell us we are "putting people off" and that we should settle for civil unions.  Thanks, John, but separate is really not equal.  

Finally there is Sarah Palin who deserves an STFU not for anything she is saying in particular (though there's plenty there, too), but because of her apparently unstoppable efflux of media appearances.  Jon Stewart does a good round up.  Is one week without her too much to ask for?