Evangelist Dobson targets Dem Senators

[Carolab]

James C. Dobson, the nation's most influential evangelical leader, is
threatening to put six potentially vulnerable Democratic Senators "in
the 'bull's-eye '" if they block conservative appointments to the
Supreme Court.

In a letter his aides say is being sent to more than one million of
his supporters, Dr. Dobson, the child psychologist and founder of the
evangelical organization Focus on the Family, promises "a battle of
enormous proportions from sea to shining sea" if President Bush fails
to appoint "strict constructionist" jurists or if Democrats filibuster
to block conservative nominees.


Dr. Dobson recalled the conservative efforts that helped in the
November defeat of Senator Tom Daschle of South Dakota, the Senate
minority leader who led Democrats in using the filibuster to block 10
of Mr. Bush's judicial nominees.

"Let his colleagues beware," Dr. Dobson warned, "especially those
representing 'red' states. Many of them will be in the 'bull's-eye'
the next time they seek re-election."

He singled out Ben Nelson of Nebraska, Mark Dayton of Minnesota,
Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia, Kent Conrad of North Dakota, Jeff
Bingaman of New Mexico and Bill Nelson of Florida. All six are up for
re-election in 2006.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/01/politics/01dobson.html?oref=login

Those Democratic Senators would be wise to oppose certification of the
vote and see to it that we vote paper ballot and totally without any
kind of voting machine. Then they would stand a strong chance of
winning in their next election. The way to beat Hitler types is not
to appease, but to fight well, hard and as long as it takes.

**************************************

Dobson's Web Page

http://www.family.org/welcome/bios/A0022947.cfm

"Awards and Recognition
Dr. Dobson was chosen as Layman of the Year by the National
Association of Evangelicals in 1982. He was honored in 1987 as "The
Children's Friend" by CHILDHELP USA, an organization devoted to the
prevention of child abuse. He received the Alumni Merit Award from the
University of Southern California General Alumni Association (1989);
the Humanitarian Award by the California State Psychological
Association (1988); the "Philip Award" from the United Methodist
Church (1994); the "1996 Man of the Year Award" by the American
Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists; and 1997
International Human Life Award from Human Life International;
Salvation Army "Others" Award (1984 and 1999); the "Christian
Counseling in the Media Award" from the Board of Directors of the
Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS)(1999); the
Catholic Alliance Family Advocate of the Year Award (2001); and the
"Proudly Pro-Life Award," given by the National Right to Life (2002);
the "Churchill Award" for Courageous and Committed Service to the
Conservative Cause from the Council for National Policy (2002); the
Fellowship of Christian Athletes "Tom Landry Award" (2003); and
Marketplace Ministries "Integrity in Family Award" (2004)"

phone number Family Org: 1800 232 6459 or direct; 719 531 3400

http://family.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/family.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=14190
( contact info page )

******************************

Opposing Article re Dobson:

http://www.peacemakers.net/peace/jsawdeshdwoa.htm



clarifications and additions]

[Sannum]

1. Ugh.

The moment he wants to meddle into politics, he can start to pay taxes.

[No Exit]

9. What a joke!

From the many promotions I've seen/heard of, featuring this Dobson character, he is just about the most for-profit guy out there.

[Maat]

16. Amen!

As I repeatedly tell my fundie relatives, he is neither a mental health professional nor a minister nor a teacher, he heads a political action committee, and should have to pay taxes.

[pstokely]

21. he is one thing, a dog beater

http://www.geocities.com/cddugan/DobsonsDog.html

[hootinholler]

41. I'm sorry but this really cracked me up...

The visual image of a dachshund swinging a belt at Dobson.

"What developed next is impossible to describe. That tiny dog and I had the most vicious fight ever staged between man and beast. I fought him up one wall and down the other, with both of us scratching and clawing and growling and swinging the belt. "

In Dobson's defence, dachshunds can be *very* stubborn and probably not a good match for his personality.

-Hoot

[RevCheesehead]

36. That's right - he is NO MINISTER, and NOT an Evangelist.

And "Focus on the Family" is a joke!

[seeking-the-truth]

38. separate the argument from the institution please

I am a committed Democrat and have voted that way since Dukakis, but I am also a Christian who has read several of Dobson's books.

Although I don't agree with his election year tactics, it is counterproductive to condemn the man and focus on the family. They do a lot of good things for children, etc. I live in Colorado and have visited the campus a number of times.

When we attack anyone who disagrees with our politics in ways that have nothing to do with politics, we run the risk of appearing intolerant. I have family who are republicans and they don't discredit every function of labor unions just because they support Democrats. My uncle is a pipe fitter and a strong union supporter, but he votes republican...don't ask me why...

My point is that being a good Democrat and supporting Focus on the family in their NON political endeavors are not mutually exclusive goals.

[RevCheesehead]

39. I'm sorry, but I cannot agree.

James Dobson is not an ordained minister, and to my knowledge, has no official theological training.

As a pastor, I receive many mailings from Focus on the Family, and I have a strong revulsion to its ultra-conservative theological assumptions. I have often heard his radio program, and have had the same kind of reaction.

As to their non-political endeavors, what exactly ARE they? Because nearly everything I receive at church has a definate political and theological leaning (conservative).

Perhaps things are different since Mr. Dobson is no longer "hands-on," but I would NEVER recommend their materials for families. There are far better resources out there.

[bemis12]

2. Isn't Bryd retiring?

It would seem a waste to "target" him. It seems that Dobson should stick to what he does best- preaching.

[burythehatchet]

3. to call what that sack-'o-shit does "preaching" is quite a stretch

[k8conant]

25. Byrd spoke about truth on the Senate floor on May 21, 2003...

He was speaking against Iraq but it applies to these matters as well:
http://www.anyoneelse.org/byrdessay.html

May 21, 2003

"Truth, crushed to earth, shall rise again, - -
The eternal years of God are hers;
But Error, wounded, writhes in pain,
And dies among his worshippers."

Truth has a way of asserting itself despite all attempts to obscure it. Distortion only serves to derail it for a time. No matter to what lengths we humans may go to obfuscate facts or delude our fellows, truth has a way of squeezing out through the cracks, eventually.

But the danger is that at some point it may no longer matter. The danger is that damage is done before the truth is widely realized. The reality is that, sometimes, it is easier to ignore uncomfortable facts and go along with whatever distortion is currently in vogue. We see a lot of this today in politics. I see a lot of it -- more than I would ever have believed -- right on this Senate Floor.
....
When it comes to shedding American blood - - when it comes to wreaking havoc on civilians, on innocent men, women, and children, callous dissembling is not acceptable. Nothing is worth that kind of lie - - not oil, not revenge, not reelection, not somebody's grand pipedream of a democratic domino theory.

And mark my words, the calculated intimidation which we see so often of late by the "powers that be" will only keep the loyal opposition quiet for just so long. Because eventually, like it always does, the truth will emerge. And when it does, this house of cards, built of deceit, will fall.

[katinmn]

4. Even more reason to stand up and fight these right wing wackos!

threats will get them NOWHERE.:thumbsdown:

[SueZhope]

5. what comes to mind when reading this are these lyrics:

"The lunatic is on the grass"
:crazy:

[No Exit]

6. Earth to Mr. Dobson--

Pardon me, Rev, but have you noticed that Alberto Gonzales has been picked to head the "Justice" Department? Better check a decision or two written by Gonzales when he was on the TX Supreme Court. It seems he was somewhat less than zealous in attacking legal abortion. So a lot of your faithful are quite upset that Gonzales has been nominated. Oh, and btw, Rev/Doc Dobson: Gonzales is a member of La Raza, too. Yep--that's YOUR president's pick to be AG. You must be a sinner yourself, if you do nothing to stop Gonzales!

[Malva Zebrina]

7. This is what George Bush has enabled

people,(who claim to be fine upstanding Christians), threatening others bully like, because they now think they are on top. Bush got there by bullying, and they now have the go ahead, no holds barred--the way to win anything is to loudly bully, push, shove, smear,and generally behave like a spoiled adolescent. Did I mention pray?

[No Exit]

11. Oh, boo hoo... haven't you heard?

"Christians" are being "persecuted".

(What a lie.)

[NVMojo]

8. Focus on the Family leader pushes the "submissive wife" role on

women. Do you want to be a "Dobson wife?"

[Der Blaue Engel]

28. Dobson is also the reason I was beaten as a kid

Or at least the justification for it as a daily activity. I can't believe this f*ckface is still out there pushing his sickness after at least 25 years.

Sick, sick, sick. His name just puts me into a rage. :mad: :puke:

[mzmolly]

35. My husband can also attest to Dobson induced abuse.

I read the back cover of one of his books, and realized immediately the guy hates kids.

[EVDebs]

10. What is 'Focus on the Family's' status as a tax-exempt non-profit ?

Shouldn't politically active groups like that register as 527s ? Are my taxes going to support this group ?

[bemis12]

19. Taxes don't go to a non-profit

They just don't pay taxes.

[Helga Scow Stern]

22. Unless they are a "faith based" initiative type, government funds receiver

If that's not getting our tax money--then I voted for *.

[demodonkey]

26. If non-profit "churches" don't pay, you and I pay to make up the slack. nt

[Clark2008]

12. Maybe DU needs to target Dobson

for a lobotomy and a stealth reading of the NEW Testament regarding Jesus charity and love for mankind.

[Chimpanzee]

13. Maybe someone should put a laser on him!

[Mike Niendorff]

14. the words "tax exempt status" come to mind.

If he wants to turn his "ministry" into a partisan political organization, that's fine. But the moment he does that, he's subject to the same laws as everyone else.


MDN

[mod mom]

23. I agree! progressive attorneys need to start calling them on it.

We need to call a spade a spade. Take them to court and maybe they will think twice about their political statements.

[Mike Niendorff]

29. he's free to make any political statements he wants to

But it sounds to me like he wants to play games with the law, trying to claim a nonpartisan religious tax status when it suits him, while functioning as a partisan political organization the rest of the time. That's tax fraud, it's blatantly dishonest, and he should be called on it.


MDN

[SueZhope]

15. did any one else notice that this does not look like a man

at peace. In this picture he has a similar look to
Zell Miller at the GOP convention.....:mad:

HMMMMM I'm not sure what he is selling but i do not think it
has much to do with humanity, love or morals

[Last Lemming]

17. As for Dobson--All his rhetoric

is so pre-January 6th

[shraby]

18. Threatening congressmen like that is

a form of terrorism, isn't it?

[EFerrari]

30. Natch. Well, maybe we can get busy digging dirt on this guy. It

sounds horrible but the thing is, he's exactly the type to think rules don't apply to him. Let's get to work.

(Geeze, don't these people know, it was religious intolerance that made this country possible!)

[iamtechus]

20. Hey, Dobson!

http://www.cafepress.com/cp/browse/N-1332+3773_pv-angryleft.12949376_Ne-25_bt-1

[BigBearJohn]

24. I get very leery of the overly pious

I remember years ago hearing a song on the radio called "Kiss You All Over"
by the group "Exile". The DJ on the radio was talking about some
southern minister making a big stink about the lyrics and how they
should never be allowed on public radio, exposing our youth to this filth.

I made a comment to my brother that I thought that minister was hiding
his own guilt over his own hidden desires.

Two weeks later, that same minister was arrested for molesting young
boys. Bear in mind, I am not accusing Dobson of this, but it does
make me wonder what skeletons are hiding in HIS closet.

[me b zola]

42. I have the same feelings about such people

You never get a logical answer when you ask them why they oppose gay & lesbian marriages. My parents where married, happily, for fifty years when my father died. No one elses marriage would never have been threatening to them, nor could it ever have detracted or lessened their bond to each other.

I believe that it is a smoke screen that the repukes sell to their sheep so that they won't have to shell out more benefits before they have a chance to completely dismantle Social Security & do away with all pensions and benefit packages. The sheep, of course are being spoon-fed their belief system by jack-*sses, like Dobson, so they fall in line with the right-wing-nut-jobs.

[BigBearJohn]

47. You hit the nail on the head.

[steelyboo]

27. Great, now they are whipping out the "bully pulpit" tactic in broad

daylight... I guess next Condi will be running a 3-card Monte on the side.. Why are people falling for shit that used to fool the Rubes at the carnival?

[Helga Scow Stern]

31. Sure Daschle was defeated by their conservative efforts--

"Dr. Dobson recalled the conservative efforts that helped in the
November defeat of Senator Tom Daschle of South Dakota, the Senate
minority leader who led Democrats in using the filibuster to block 10
of Mr. Bush's judicial nominees."

That fool Dobson. What? He's threatening them with stealing their votes?

[demodonkey]

32. As part of his "ministry" Dobson has all kinds of political crap on his...

website at http://family.org/cforum/

Including link to "Action Alerts" (You too, can do things like "Sound Off on Keillor's Anti-Christian Bigotry"); Links to contact your Elected Officials Learn about "Issues and Legislation", get a "Guide to the Media" and MORE!

Whatever you do, don't miss the exciting EXTRAS, including

Pro-Family Booklist 2004 -- "Conservative leaders like Dr. James Dobson, Judge Roy Moore and Sen. Rick Santorum offer their picks for the top books of the year"

And your chance to
"Be Heard on NBC's Refusal to Apologize for Couric's Anti-Christian Comments "



(Good clean shower advised after visit to the above link, though!) ;-)

[Maat]

40. My boy cat, Snowball, a WHITE MALE just subscribed.

Thanks for the link. You see, he is clearly and has always been a Rethuglican, because he chewed on the edge of my Kerry-Edwards sign, when I first got it, and he pee'd on my copy of the Nation.

Just like him to want to receive Dobson's e-mails! 'Course he's ambivalent about that dog-beating thing.

[EVDebs]

33. Item #7 regarding Focus on the Family's donations is important

see http://www.family.org/welcome/aboutfof/a0000077.cfm

and check out "7". It seems donations are supposed to be scrutinized by the IRS for their tax deductible status ability.

Hmmmm. Your tax dollars are supporting the conservatives "targetting" of Senators that support YOU. If Dobson's group is playing with their tax exemptions in order to play politics something is hinky here.

[mzmolly]

34. Ok, I REALLY DISLIKE James Dobson. Where the H does he get off?!

:grr:

Edited for nasty language.

I wonder who's blackmail will prevail, that of Nader or Mr. Dobson. There both on the same par as far as I'm concerned.

Nader "if the right wing Dems don't do X, I'm gonna X."

Dobson "if the left wing Dems don't do X, I'm gonna X."

[ginnyinWI]

37. So is coercion now a Christian quality?? n/t

[me b zola]

43. You didn't get that memo?? n/t

[hootinholler]

44. Funny your quote should mention "strict constructionist"...

I didn't know what it meant so I looked it up. Found on top of the hit parade at google is a nifty item from FindLaw that explains it nicely as it relates to law.

"When the substance of judicial philosophy is discussed, conservative have long maintained a rhetorical advantage. Cleverly labeling themselves "strict constructionists," conservatives have persuaded many citizens and leaders that their approach is the only one that is truly faithful to the law, and that a jurisprudence that encompasses compassion and respect for human dignity, that is concerned about the way in which the law affects people's lives, is based not on legitimate "strict" interpretation of the law, but on nothing more than sentiment and the personal preferences of those who espouse it.

But what has become increasingly clear after many years of conservative dominance of the federal courts is that conservative jurisprudence is not always faithful even to the principles its adherents espouse. A concrete example from an important but little-notice civil rights case decided at the end of the Supreme Court's last Term demonstrates the point.

... it notes the Civil Rights Act of 1871 and then drops da bomb ...

According to the statute, if a state official violates a right provided by federal law, he or she may be called to account in a court of law.

That, however, is not how the five most conservative Members of the Supreme Court, at the end of the Court's most recent Term, interpreted Section1983. In Gonzaga v. Doe, the Court held - contrary to the statute's plain language authorizing suits for deprivation of "rights . . .secured by the Constitution and laws" - that an individual cannot bring suit under Section 1983 to enforce any and all rights created by federal statute.

Scary stuff. You should read it.

-Hoot

[fooj]

45. "A battle of enormous proportions"...Wait- isn't that in Iraq?

This guy is "powerful" because he is ALLOWED to be! Man- he fits into this admin. perfectly! Agree with me, or else!!! Sounds pretty Christian to me! ARGHHHHH!!!:spank: Hypocritical, slimy bastards-that's what they are!

WHAT ARE THEY HIDING???:think:

[genieroze]

46. Up his! eom