October 13, 2006
Focus On The Family's Response To Kuo Book
What this statement, by Focus's Carrie Gordon Earll says is: there's no possible way that our allies could ever have said stuff behind our backs like that. Right? Right?
It's undeniably true -- from talking to former colleagues of Kuo's -- that he was upset when the administration didn't focus as much on his brief after 9/11. We also know that lots of reassuring phone calls from the White House's office of public liaison and from Karl Rove's office have been made to the circle of evangelical leaders who may be offended by Kuo's book.
"The release of this book criticizing the Bush administration's handling of its faith-based initiative program seems to represent little more than a mix of sour grapes and political timing. David Kuo's book doesn't hit shelves until next week, but excerpts released by media outlets paint the picture of a dissatisfied federal employee taking shots at the White House effort to connect faith-based nonprofit groups with legitimate societal needs."Big media will no doubt play this story to the hilt in the next several weeks, because it allows them to take aim at two of their favorite targets: President Bush and socially conservative Christians. Sadly, Kuo's characterization of his former colleagues, bosses and mission -- mischaracterizations, really -- will be fed to the public as truth.
"While Focus on the Family does not participate in the faith-based initiative program, we are allies with many who do -- and they have far different impressions of the people and events documented in Kuo's book. Our support for the program is unchanged, and we applaud the president's hard work in reducing dependency on government programs while connecting people to their communities. It's a commitment that dates back to his time as governor of Texas and one that will be a large and important part of his White House legacy."
Posted at 10:40 AM
Comments
Far too much smoke here. A cursorary review of the Faith-Based Initiative and the Bush WH reveals the unquestioned pattern of total politization of every aspect of policy. Regardless of the motives the underlying information should send alarms to those organizations so taken in by the alcohol of power. This would not be the first time a group or constinuency was suckered in by an American politician or organization and yes timing is relevant two-fold, it has an effect depending on what outcome someone desires regardless of means.
Kuo's interesting revelations have other underreported confirmations and it will be interesting to see how indepenedent the faith-based political movement is to their addiction to political power or will they have the pause to review the strange political bedfellows they are sleeping with?
Trent Rein | 10.13.06 12:31 PM
 |
It's truly a shame the followers of Dobson, Robertson, and the rest of these politicians disguised as ministers put their faith and trust in them. To those of us who are not "conservative Christians" it was clear long ago that these so-called leaders were not tending their flocks, they were instead amassing power.
They in concert with the Karl Roves of the world used wedge issues in a cynical ploy to divide and conquer, a tried and true method of winning battles and creating wealth. How many real men of God flit about the country in their own private airplanes or travel in limos? Dobson, Robertson, et al., are heretics, but their followers may be so conditioned by the endless stream of vitriol against anyone who challenges their leaders falsifications that they will believe this latest example of "spin."
SherAn | 10.13.06 01:32 PM
|
It's always the same with the White House... Whenever anyone criticizes them they trump up imaginary motives for the critic, but never actually refute the criticism.
Kuo writes a book. He's got an axe to grind.He's trying to sell books. He's auditioning for a Democratic job.
Clarke writes a book. He's a liberal with an axe to grind. He's trying to sell books. He's auditioning for a Democratic job.
O'Neil criticizes the White House. He's just bitter about losing his job, he's got an axe to grind. He's trying to sell books. He's auditioning for a Democratic job.
Retired generals speak out against the war. They are liberals with an axe to grind. He's auditioning for a Democratic job.
A congressman tries to molest some teenage boys. It's a dirty trick by Democrats with an axe to grind.
If we believe this message, it would appear that every last American is a selfish, self-centered jerk. (Except for a handful of very powerful, very "competent" leaders who never apologize for anything because nothing is ever their fault.)
After 6 years, I'm sick of it.
It reminds me of an acquaintance who always compained about all of her "monstrous" boyfriends, "monstrous" parents, "monstrous" teachers, etc. At some point, I realized that it wasn't the world that was crazy. It was her. She was nasty to everybody. So nasty that she even blamed them for the trouble she started. I'm just sad that this kind of junior high drama queen pathology is the dominant spirit of an entire political party.
Right | 10.13.06 08:46 PM
|
The Biblical record is replete with examples of those who decieve despising their targets.
However, the greater problem here is not so much the attitude revealed by the book, although that is evidence of hypocrisy.
The greater problem is that with Executive Order 13397 signed Mar.7,2006, put ALL FB recipients under the authority of the Department of Homeland Security. A reading of the EO reveals very disturbing language that establishes a disturbing relationship between our churches, clergy, congregations (that's you), and our new domestic law enforcement agency.
Why are not Dobson and Focus On The Family alerting their folks to the dangers of this trend. Please check it out at
http://www.bigstory.us/churches/ChurchDHS.html
We should pull together to wake up as many of our friends and pastors about this very dangerous situation.
Larry T. | 10.13.06 10:56 PM
|
Post a comment
The Watergate · 600 New Hampshire Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20037
202-739-8400 · fax 202-833-8069
NationalJournal.com is an Atlantic Media publication.
