Kinky Friedman

From Philosopedia

Richard S. "Kinky" Friedman (31 October 1944)

Friedman is a singer, songwriter, novelist, politician, and former columnist for Texas Monthly.

In the 2006 election for the office of Governor of Texas, he is one of two independent candidates.

Nominally Jewish, he is not known for his religiosity. One of his musical hits is, "They Ain't Making jews Like Jesus Anymore," which is considered controversial in orthodox circles. His band's name, "Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys," is specifically designed to offend.

On social issues he has supported gay marriage, answering an Associated Press reporter's question on the subject on Feb. 3, 2005, he remarked "I support gay marriage. I believe they have a right to be as miserable as the rest of us." Friedman himself is not married.

Austin Cline writes about Friedman's views about "bringing back" the Ten Commandments to public places - Cline feels Friedman doesn't make sense:

• “I want them back, they belong there,” says Friedman. “Maybe I’ll have to change their name to the Ten Suggestions, you know. But they were taken out, not by separation of church and state, but by political correctness gone awry. One atheist stands up and says, ‘I don’t like the Ten Commandments,’ and suddenly out they go. And, of course, we all know what happens to an atheist when he dies. His tombstone usually reads, ‘All dressed up and no place to go.’ “

Non-believers are not amused by that last sentiment, finding him not to be a freethinker.