The Kingdom Come

A "tar-baby" is any issue that is difficult to extract one's self from after engaging. Tar-baby specifically comes from the 1881 book, Br'er Rabbit (source) where the character Br'er Rabbit fights with a Tar-baby and becomes increasingly stuck to the tar on the baby.

Sometimes people, especially politicians like to act like an issue is a tar-baby; an issue not worth addressing because it would only bog them down in needless and endless dispute, and indeed there are issues like this. But sometimes there are fake tar-babies where the person acts like the issue isn't worth their time but in reality is often the very thing that needs to be addressed. Using another phrase, it is the "white elephant" in the room -- something obvious but that almost everyone wants to avoid.

An example of a political tar-baby is when 2008 Democratic presidential candidate, John Edwards attempted to dismiss allegations that he was having an affair and fathered a baby by his mistress. (source) Eventually, it was proven that the allegations were true and Edwards' admitted to it.

Recently, a theological website often embroiled in controversy due to its admin's demonstrated deplorable behavior posted an article to assist them in hiding behind fake tar-babies. (source)

While it is true that you may often find yourself attempting to answer endless questions from virtual nobodies, it is different when an elitist likes to wave his hand and make all challenge go away.

Sam Frost, of the theological website in question has a long reputation of egotistically dismissing fake tar-babies; usually by calling people names such as "bonehead" or worse. There is FACTUAL, evidence supporting issues that Frost often will not address or that he outright lies about.

These type of people cause cynicism due to trying to expose their lies, all the while they deny and garner support from mindless followers.