« Go back a post || Return to G-A-Y homepage || Haul tail to next post »
11/02/2006
Dobson defends Haggard; 'Exhausted' and "Run-Down' still waiting
Focus on the Family head honcho James Dobson has responded to the claims that a gay escort slept with Evangelical leader Ted Haggard. Dobson says via press release:
"It is unconscionable that the legitimate news media would report a rumor like this based on nothing but one man's accusation. Ted Haggard is a friend of mine and it appears someone is trying to damage his reputation as a way of influencing the outcome of Tuesday's election -- especially the vote on Colorado's marriage-protection amendment -- which Ted strongly supports.
"He has shown a great deal of grace under these unfortunate circumstances, quickly turning this matter over to his church for an independent investigation. That is a testament to the character I have seen him exhibit over and over again through the years."
Though we can't wait to hear Dobson's reaction if the voicemails and letter the gay escort claims to have turn out to link Haggard to the homo-sex, since painting the revelation as one man's non-newsworthy accusation seems to be the crux of his defense. Somehow, we'd imagine "Yea, well, at least he was the top" won't be enough to appease his "pro-family" followers, should the Haggard/escort-linking evidence surface (and show Haggard to be the pitcher not the catcher).
Though Dobson is right in that for now, these are just claims. However, he's very wrong in acting as if they aren't newsworthy. For if Haggard and crew are going to foist themselves into the national political arena by constantly condemning gays and our rights, then any substantial claim that suggests their influential rhetoric is nothing but hot air must be investigated. They are the ones who initially declared this to be a "culture war," and they willingly volunteered to fight it! Even a truly neutral media has a responsibility to ensure both sides are fighting fair. For the pro-gay media, however: We MUST investigate, as this is a bomb so potentially explosive, it could change the course of this debate literally overnight!
Dobson Criticizes Media For Reporting Haggard Allegation [U.S. Newswire]
*EARLIER: Escort claims his masculine wiles made Ted quite haggard [G-A-Y]
**UPDATE: You look a little Haggard; perhaps you should resign? [G-A-Y]
comments powered by Disqus
