SIVACRACY.NET

One of the NYT's "most e-mailed" stories yesterday was an account of the allegations by James Dobson (of "Focus on the Family") that the cartoon character SpongeBob Squarepants appeared in a "pro-homosexual" video that would be used for "manipulating and potentially brainwashing kids."

James Wolcott reacted as follows: "I hereby decree that Dr. James Dobson--founder of Focus on the Family; man of faith; fanatic; fool--be hereby known throughout the land as SpongeDob Stickypants."

Today, CNN has a story with the headline: "Christians issue gay warning on SpongeBob video" which states in pertinent part: "...at least two Christian activist groups say the innocent cartoon characters are being exploited to promote the acceptance of homosexuality." Dobson, according to the CNN article, objects to the idea of a "tolerance pledge" that asks people to respect the sexual identity of others along with their abilities, beliefs, culture and race, because it "crosses a moral line." Right-o, it crosses into the sphere of actual morality, a terrritory unfamilar and frightening to the likes of Dobson.

Dobson is clearly a publicity seeking bigot, but why does the NYT think his idiotic blathering is "news"? I understand why the article got e-mailed around by NYT readers so much, especially yesterday, because it confirms one's worst suspicions about Dobson, who seems to have so much influence with Bush, and validates the enormous contemptuous disgust we may feel for both Dobson and Bush. But I don't undertand why the NYT thought the "story" was so important.

And then there is the matter of CNN morphing Dobson and one seconding SpongeDob-wannabe into "Christians." I don't care what they call themselves, there is nothing about their actions that is even remotely in the spirit of Christ.

addendum: The Moderate Liberal notes that in Colorado there is a popular bumpersticker that reads: "Focus On Your Own Damn Family."