So imagine my surprise when I read this:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/...

HAMMOND, La. — A Louisiana justice of the peace said he refused to issue a marriage license to an interracial couple out of concern for any children the couple might have. Keith Bardwell, justice of the peace in Tangipahoa Parish, says it is his experience that most interracial marriages do not last long.

As compared to, say, Britney Spears? Guess my 18 year marriage doesn't qualify, nor does the Loving's marriage (the SCOTUS decision about which I imagine, is about to rain a boat load of trouble on Judge Bardwell) which lasted from 1958 until Richard Loving's accidental death in 1975. Who knows how much longer it might have lasted had he not died in a car accident?

Now of course Judge Bardwell is going to be the first to say he's not a racist. Who didn't see that coming?

"I do ceremonies for black couples right here in my house," Bardwell said. "My main concern is for the children." Bardwell said he has discussed the topic with blacks and whites, along with witnessing some interracial marriages. He came to the conclusion that most of black society does not readily accept offspring of such relationships, and neither does white society, he said. "I don't do interracial marriages because I don't want to put children in a situation they didn't bring on themselves," Bardwell said. "In my heart, I feel the children will later suffer." If he does an interracial marriage for one couple, he must do the same for all, he said. "I try to treat everyone equally," he said.

I just love that this man appoints himself arbiter of what most of black society thinks about anything.

Of course it's for the children. They don't turn out right. I mean next thing you know one of those bi-racial children might grow up to be President of the United States. Or and of the people featured in stories likethis one or accomplished athletes like Derek Jeter, or that guy...what's his name? He plays golf. Or the kid across the street, or my son. Nope they all turn out bad so it's good we have Judge Bardwell looking out for things.

The ACLU is working on how to remove Judge Bardwell from office. He'll then have time to go on Rush Limbaugh's show to talk about how both of those well known non-racists are being mistreated.

Just checked my calendar again. It's still 2009 and Loving v VA was still decided in 1967. Oh yeah, and Judge Birdwell is still an idiot.

UPDATE: Rec List? WOW. Thanks.

UPDATE 2 playtonjr has provided the contact information for the "good" Judge in the linked comment

UPDATE 3Since there's a question as to whether a Justice of the Peace is a Judge, I've amended the title. He is referred to as both in various articles, and the state website makes it sound like "Justice of the Peace" courts are a type of court in the judicial hierarchy.