It seems that America’s “Leave It to Dick” family has hit a little bump in the road. Those poor Cheneys are at it again. This time, however, one of them is not shooting a hunting partner, guiding us to an invasion of Iraq or denouncing gay marriage. Ooops, actually one of them is upset about gay marriage.

That would be Liz, the one who used to be fine with it when her gay sister Mary got married to her partner Heather several years back and adopted some kids. By all accounts, Liz was close to Mary and welcomed Heather. That was, however, before Liz decided to run for the Senate from her home state of Wyoming, where some folks don’t cotton to gay-oriented people wanting to get hitched. So in order to cater to the lower instincts of voters, Liz went on television to declare that she has always “believed in the traditional definition of marriage.” Mary is understandably upset at this turn of face, and this has likely caused a serious rift in the Cheney family, making for what will probably be a very edgy Thanksgiving dinner.

As a Republican senatorial candidate, Liz is all in favor of family values. All Republicans are, as they constantly remind us. Sadly, their definition of family values can include going on national television to all to publicly denounce a lesbian sister’s family values.

Not that she has to endorse marriage equality. No one has to. And no one forced Liz to say what she did; she did it of her own free will, no matter the consequences to her family. So she’s taken her stand — screw the family, I’m all about doing whatever I have to say in order to get elected.

Sort of makes you wonder about just what “family values” means anyway, doesn’t it? Have a Happy Thanksgiving Cheneys.