After getting called out over a blog (listed in the HUMOR category, that did NOT point a finger at Focus on the Family OR the "right"), because of my apparent "misinformation", I thought that I would take the time to write my own blog on the subject of this organization.

I was a longtime supporter of FOTF, and, as an evangelical Christian, found their information on children and family to be both informative and helpful. I have a few of Dobson's books, and have mixed feelings about him and his philosophy, but, as with many other authors, I take what I like of his and feel free to throw the rest out. I think he has made many positive, valuable contributions to society.

The qualifier out of the way, I will begin to address the issues I do have with FOTF. Listening to them over the years, their good and helpful advice has been interspersed with their tendency to use their radio show and their influence as a "bully pulpit". What comes to mind immediately is the fact that FOTF joined with the Southern Baptist Convention in calling for a boycott on Disney (for several reasons; the sensationalist media unfairly singled out the issue of benefits for gay couples, but the films that were being released by Disney subsidiaries had as much to do with it as the benefits issue). Also strong in my mind was a drama some nights back about a liberal priest; FOTF took issue with the way the church was portrayed (as the priest struggled with some areas; in other words, was human), and encouraged viewers to watch it and make a note of all the advertisers and write letters to the advertisers threatening to boycott their products if they continued to sponsor the show. I watched it with an open mind and found it to be, in my estimation, quality programming, if not a bit cynical (I can't even recall the name of the show to mention it at this point, but remember the flap on Dobson's show about it vividly).

Dobson's explanation of his opposition to the "We Are Family" video clearly expresses that it is not with the video or the characters that he has a problem, but with the organization that is sponsoring it and their definition of "tolerance" (interestingly enough, the website pulled most of its material off the site after Dobson's remarks, telling me that they, indeed, had something to hide). I have no problem with that part of the issue, and I have no problem (read: ZERO) with Dobson's explanation of his concern that childhood icons have been hijacked to promote a homosexual agenda. It is a valid concern from a father and a religious leader. In fact, I don't even have a problem with MUCH of what FOTF supports. While we may differ in some areas, it's free speech and Dobson is FAR more diplomatic and considerate than many of his conservative Christian colleagues.

The problem I have comes in when we consider FOTF's FOLLOWING. Sad to say, a strong contingent of these followers have a sheepish mentality and will blindly follow whatever Dobson says or encourages (much as with 700 clubbers and Pat Robertson). Dobson knows this, and knowing this, he often encourages action that a blind follower undertakes without thinking, causing stereotypes and misunderstandings to arise, and potentially limiting free speech in the case of moderate, legitimate programs. Dobson also, like many others, seems to have a limited understanding of how the channel changing and "off" button features on his remote work. While this latest attack was not on a TV show broadcast, but rather on a video distributed in schools, his history is long and established in attempting to bully advertisers on programs DOBSON objects to. It is THIS irresponsible mindset that I take to task when I criticize Dobson, not whether he thinks Spongebob is gay or not (sorry, but I am still laughing my ass off over the whole matter...soon I may have no ass left).

Respectfully submitted,

Gideon MacLeish