The more, the better

Three GOP members of New Jersey's Congressional delegation -- Jon Runyan, Leonard Lance and Frank LoBiondo -- join U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg and other top state Democrats in the latest "It Gets Better" video.

The three Republicans are among the highest-profile members of their party to participate so far in the national campaign against bullying LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgendered) youth.

"It's not every day that you see Republicans sticking up for gay rights, let alone three of them from one state," says Cherry Hill progressive activist Jay Lassiter, among those posting about the video on Blue Jersey.

"Symbolically it's very important," he adds. "I applaud the Jersey trio, especially Jon Runyan, whose time as an NFL star makes him a uniquely powerful messenger for LGBT inclusion."

I agree.

Like the hit parade of Phillies in another new "It Gets Better" video, the onscreen presence of  a former Philadelphia Eagle like Runyan is most welcome.

Thank you, Congressman.

Lassiter also points out, however, that "Runyan's Republican party has gorged itself on anti-gay rhetoric," for decades.

"If Leonard Lance, Frank LoBiondo and Jon Runyan really want to create a better climate for gays and lesbians growing into adulthood," he says, "they can start by joining President Obama and voting to repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act."

That would be better, indeed.