Rand Paul accepts legalized private-sector racism, sexism, homophobia and discrimination against the handicapped

Make no mistake, Rand Paul is NOT a racist. He merely holds a very extreme view, at odds with the Constitution. He said, very clearly, to Rachel Maddow, that he would prefer the law not prohibit discrimination by private-sector firms that do not receive federal funds.

I have no doubt that in his life, Rand Paul treats all people fairly and decently. And I have always tried to be fair to Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas). In some areas, such as auditing the Federal Reserve, I agree with him.

I have tried to be fair, as well, to Rand Paul. I was disappointed in him for these latest comments. His views on this matter are very, very extreme and far outside the tradition of mainstream America. They are far outside the tradition of conservative legal thought, as well as liberal legal thought and commonly accepted notions of the Constitution.

I hope Rand Paul fully retracts and apologizes for his views on private-sector discrimination. There should be no right to discriminate for private business, whether or not they receive federal aid. Rand Paul is wrong. His views on this do not represent what America is all about.