Seriously, Senator Brown?

The organization, It Gets Better, exists to help gay and lesbian youth cope with problems they face like bullying. With the recent high profile bullying cases in the Commonwealth it would seem like a no brainer for local pols and celebrities to help out in the cause. The Boston Red Sox made a PSA for the organization and so did the entire Massachusetts congressional delegation, except for Senator Scott Brown.

Why did Scott Brown decline to participate?

Brown was invited to participate in the video, which was organized by Kerry’s office, but declined to take part, said two congressional officials. Brown’s spokesman, Colin Reed, defended that decision in a statement released yesterday.

“Scott Brown has a strong record at the state and federal level against bullying and believes that all people regardless of sexual orientation should be treated with dignity and respect,’’ Reed said. “His main focus right now is on creating jobs and getting our economy back on track.’’’

Um, really?

The thinking goes that Brown really declined to participate in the videos because advice columnist Dan Savage is behind the organization. Savage, not exactly a fan of Republicans or social conservatives, has said some pretty caustic things about the GOP this year. Savage has attacked Scott Brown personally, too. In a 2010 advice column he suggested using a Scott Brown action figure as a sex toy.

Savage's most notorious thorn in the GOP's side might be his redefining Rick Santorum's last name.

Still, these videos are not about pushing some "radical homosexual agenda", a declaration of support for gay marriage, or in any way political. They are about helping at-risk teens who are struggling to fit in and figure out who they are. During Brown's time as a candidate and as a Senator he has talked about about burying the partisan hatchet and working together. He should have backed up his own rhetoric and done that with this video.

Update: Link added to Savage's column where he references Brown.