Not worth the paper it's printed on

I feel for professional writers who work for newspapers, especially those with regular columns. You have to come up with something new or novel to write ALL THE TIME. We can't expect each piece to be a winner. There are going to be some dud columns.

But where do our standards lie? Is there a point where something is so pointless it shouldn't be printed or posted online?

The current issue of the Star Tribune's Withering Glance provides a test case. It is a weekly feature by Rick Nelson and Claude Peck, where they "dispense unasked-for advice about clothing, relationships, grooming and more."

This week's topic: Same-sex marriage in California

The column is simply a long stream of worn-out stereotypes about gays and lesbians. Seriously, why should a trusted daily newspaper like the Star Tribune feel it makes sense to print this tripe? It's not that it is offensive; it's just dumb.

• Withering Glance: Gay marriage, California style

Breaking News

This wonderful news brings tears to my eyes...

• California Supreme Court overturns ban on gay marriage

Okay, we now have two states that recognize that GLBT citizens should be treated with equality. Only 48 more to go!

Seriously, this is a huge victory. My only wish would for this decision to NOT happen in a momentous election year. But what can you do?

Setting aside his other faults, Gavin Newsom deserves a lot of credit for this.