I don’t care what your politics are. I don’t care whether you think Barack Obama is the best president in history or the worst, a shining light of integrity or a crook. I don’t care how you vote, what you’re position is on any issue, or whether you watch Fox News or MSNBC. If you’re not outraged and offended by this – well, let’s just say you should be.

Along with a sickening feeling in my stomach, one of my first reactions to the news was, “Great, another black eye for Indiana.” As if the coasts needed another reason to consider states like ours nothing more than backwater bastions of intolerance. As if a state still stung by recent embarrassments, needed another weight around its neck.

But, please, don’t make this about Indiana. Don’t make this about Hoosiers. Don’t allow others to use this to form some sweeping generalization about the people of Indiana. Don’t let one horribly misguided person define a state that is filled with wonderful people, wonderful places and a whole lot of good.