When a person’s motives are widely misunderstood, it’s understandable that some people will find his actions inappropriate.  Take, for example, Congressman Bob Etheridge (D-NC), captured on video:

Naturally, conservative shills amongst us have claimed that he’s engaged in a vicious assault.  This is a complete and total misunderstanding, and likely an intentional one at that.   Etheridge, like so many other representatives, is just a friendly guy, inclined to hold hands, even hug, people who demonstrate an inquisitive nature similar to his.  Just listen as he asks questions, like “who are you?”

Would you prefer a congressman who lacks any intellectual curiosity?  Maybe one who isn’t sufficiently secure in his manhood to grab the arm of another young man (in public, of course, as good taste and discretion dictates), and in touch with his feminine side so that he is hardly reluctant to show the young man the pleasure of a firm, brotherly hug.

And people have problems with this?  Maybe you just can’t imagine a politician who truly loves his fellow man, you nasty cynic.