[mrsmith]

"Tell me EXACTLY how Webb is a deviant for using an accepted (though repugnant by western standards) cultural tradition as a means of illustrating the differences between the cultures? "

Well, if you're going to allow us Philistine imperfect conservatives to state opinions on art...

Why this example? I'm not sure this is such a common practise. I've never heard of it.
Nonetheless, are there no other differences a normal person might use to illustrate the gap between the cultures?

So why did he choose this one for his novel? This is not a report on what he saw in Bangkok that day. (If that statement is even true.)

I don't see this one example of his weird art to be conclusive of his unsuitablility. But it fits a pattern in his art and it fits with reports of his personality from people who know him

"Artistic temperament" is fine for artists, even when extreme. For a politician there's a limit to how much of it is acceptable. Even to "real conservatives".

[elhombrelibre]

It fits why Larry Flynt, who even resembles Webb, is contributing to Webb's campaign, along with Hugh Heffner's daughter. They're not Philistines either. They know art when they see it. And since Webb's had three wives, you know he really does respect women. The guys got issues at the least. That's fine for an artist. I prefer no more sex creeps in high office after Clinton. Character does matters.