James Dobson has spoken - written, actually - about Fred Thompson. Note - he doesn't like him:
"Isn't Thompson the candidate who is opposed to a Constitutional amendment to protect marriage, believes there should be 50 different definitions of marriage in the U.S., favors McCain-Feingold, won't talk at all about what he believes, and can't speak his way out of a paper bag on the campaign trail?" Dobson wrote."He has no passion, no zeal, and no apparent 'want to.' And yet he is apparently the Great Hope that burns in the breasts of many conservative Christians? Well, not for me, my brothers. Not for me!"
Thompson has, predictably, tried to prove all the ways that Dobson is wrong. He is pro-life, he is pro-marriage, he is a Christian, etc. But if he wants to act presidential, what Thompson should do is stand up to Dobson and call him for what he is - a politically bully who uses the name of Jesus for his own political ends.
While he is at it, Thompson might also consider saying something like this, "It is good for the American people to know something about the religious faith of their candidates. But seriously people, we are going too far. It seems like my fellow candidates for president are trying to prove their theological weight - that is fine if they are running for the head of a seminary. They are not, they are running for President of the United States. Enough theology people, let's start talking policy."
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Maybe he should try something like "Six years ago, I was pullin' weeds in the Senate and Dobson was hotter'n a twin-peckered billy goat. Now he's weedin' and I'm speadin' fertilizer. Meet my wife. Who wants beer? God bless America!"
I just know there's going to be an opening for a speech-writer on the Thompson campaign every three or four weeks. Consider this an application.
I don't see any mention of Jesus in the quote from Dobson. He states some facts about Fred Thompson that are totally accurate, and have been said by lots of people who aren't ministers or even Christian. Morever, the story you link says that it comes from a personal e-mail. He did not say these things in public. Are you seriously suggesting that, because Dr. Dobson is a Christian, he can't privately express his political views to friends?
Maybe, David, you should address the substance of the issues Dobson raises rather than attacking the source.
I think Dobson's descent into the political arena is very sad. I recall listening to him many years ago when my children were small. At that time he stayed within his area of expertise with child-rearing advice that was helpful to me. In my opinion, he has "lost his first love."
I first noticed the change when he used his "clout" to boycott a Bible translation (NIV) that dared to use inclusive language. He derided the idea as "political correctness" and actually halted the publishing for a while. No one seemed to challenge his "knowledge" of Greek and Hebrew (or lack, thereof) especially as the language changes presented a more accurate translation than had appeared up to that time.
Then I noticed his political strong-arming and his boastful attitude in the ability to "rally the troops" -- the huge audience of those who hang on his every word. I think he's a dangerous man who desires a theocracy in which his fundamentalist views are the rule.
David's observation is perceptive and correct. Let's focus on policy.
This is all you need to know about Jim Dobson's "Christianity":
http://www.geocities.com/cddugan/DobsonsDog.html
After all, you know what they say about little kids who torture animals ...
PS -- Yes, I'm proudly owned by a dachshund ;-)
"After all, you know what they say about little kids who torture animals ..."
That's all I'm sayin' ...
PS -- Given that you don't like anything about me, at least get my flippin' name right.
PPS -- I have depression, so trust me, I know a little something about suicide ...
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