If You Needed Further Evidence

...that the Tea Party is host to some of the worst people to leave the Republican party, look no further. Witness this (now scrubbed) Facebook exchange between Montana Tea Party leader Tim Ravndal and some of his good buddies:

(TW for homophobia and anti-LGBTQ violence.)

Tim Ravndal: "Marriage is between a man and a woman period! By giving rights to those otherwise would be a violation of the constitution and my own rights"

Keith Baker: "How dare you exercise your First Amendment Rights?"

Dennis Scranton: "I think fruits are decorative. Hang up where they can be seen and appreciated. Call Wyoming for display instructions."

Tim Ravndal: "@Kieth, OOPS I forgot this aint(sic) America no more! @ Dennis, Where can I get that Wyoming printed instruction manual?"

Dennis Scranton: "Should be able to get info Gazette archives. Maybe even an illustration. Go back a bit over ten years."

I don't have words.

Meanwhile, if you think these sparkling examples of humanity are referencing the murder of Matthew Shepard, you're so, so wrong.

When reached for comment Friday, Ravndal apologized for the post, saying he "never made the connection" to Shepard's murder until after national bloggers picked up on it and his phone started ringing earlier this week.

"I wasn't even thinking about the tragedy that happened in Wyoming," Ravndal said. "I made a mistake and I apologize to anyone I offended. I do not condone violence to any human being."

Ravndal also has a bridge he would like to sell you.

UPDATE: Oops, just saw that Ravndal has already been removed from his position. Funny how the Tea Party is constantly performing damage control when their representatives speak in public forums.

(Energy Dome tip to Amplify Your Voice.)