The way they looked down their noses at the birthers was indeed unfortunate... you are SO right
Unfortunate? My, how...nice...that sounds.
Reprehensible is more accurate. Instead of keeping their mouth shut about the whole issue most actively participated in denigrating those keeping the matter alive.
And yet, against all odds, once a few people gained knowledge they persisted. They gained more knowledge, spread their knowledge and continued to persist.
They persist still! Sunshine patriots be damned.