GOP Hipster Makeover?
The radical right's Twittertastic search for young blood.
As someone who Tweets for the Lord, 27-year-old Esther Fleece has her work cut out for her. In September, the evangelical powerhouse Focus on the Family hired Fleece as an emissary to people between 18 and 29, a generation that between now and 2018 will grow by 4.5 million eligible voters each year. As a group, these "millennials" already dwarf the politically powerful senior population, but they make up only a small and ever-shrinking sliver of the conservative Christian movement, which in turn accounts for 35 percent of the GOP vote. Fleece's job is to bring them into the tent.
Just how tricky a task that is was evident when Fleece made her public debut in mid-September at the Values Voter Summit in Washington, a must-attend event for Republican presidential wannabes hoping to woo the party's most committed foot soldiers. Barely a week into the job, she was part of a lineup that included House minority leader John Boehner, former Education Secretary Bill Bennett, and ex-presidential hopeful Mitt Romney. A bubbly blonde with a communications degree, Fleece took the stage before a packed auditorium and surprised Focus on the Family president Jim Daly with a fist bump.
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When Daly asked how many of her young Christian friends voted for Barack Obama, Fleece offered sheepishly, "About 60 percent." The audience gasped. "They thought he would bring diversity," she explained, surveying the virtually all-white crowd. "[Millennials] are a very diverse group." And what about gay marriage, Daly asked? Fleece conceded that banning it didn't resonate with many of her friends—some of whom, she let slip, are gay.
Fleece tried her best to soften her message with soothing biblical references and optimism for the future. But the takeaway was obvious: She was there because most of her contemporaries were not. Organizers had tried hard to build an under-50 component to the event, but as it was, the Boy Scout color guard was the most visible youth presence. The summit did feature a speech by the youngest Baldwin brother, Stephen, a talk radio host who also runs an "extreme sports" ministry. But when Baldwin, 43, asked young people to stand for a round of applause, only a few dozen kids leapt up in a crowd of hundreds.
A few weeks after the Values summit, Phyllis Schlafly's group, the Eagle Forum, held its annual How to Take Back America conference in St. Louis. There, too, organizers devoted a session to "How to Bring Youth Into the Conservative Movement." The moderator was 65-year-old Orlean Koehle, president of the Eagle Forum's California chapter, whose qualification derived from teaching at a John Birch Society youth camp. She was joined by Schlafly's son Andy, 47, a lawyer who also teaches online classes for home-schoolers, and Gary Bosley, a 64-year-old marketing executive. Only University of Virginia law student Karin Agness, 25, the founder of a conservative student group, helped bring down the average. Her advice on reaching a younger audience? Book clubs!
Polling data provides little solace for conservatives: Not only are most millennials unmoved by many of the movement's core positions, but some of these positions are actively driving them away. A recent study by the Center for American Progress found that nearly 60 percent of millennials favor gay marriage; among voters over 30, 60 percent oppose it. And the Barna Group, a market research organization that caters to Christian clients, has found that even among young people who regularly attend church, only a third believe that "homosexual lifestyles" are a major problem. Young churchgoers, writes Barna president David Kinnaman in his book, unChristian, "remain unconvinced that the homosexual lifestyle is a problem for society...and they are embarrassed by the church's treatment of gays and lesbians."
Nor is tolerance the only area where Focus on the Family and similar groups have, in Fleece's gentle phrase, "something of an image problem." She notes that Focus' founder, 73-year-old James Dobson, turned the organization into a political force primarily through a radio audience, and "I haven't listened to much radio lately." She's helping Focus reach into social media, tweeting about music ("#u2webcast is incredible"), Scripture ("Get the Bible on twitter! New verse every hour") and cars ("looking for SUV suggestions. Safe, good on gas, cute..."). And she seeks to connect with her generational peers via her own childhood experience: After first her father and then her stepfather left the family, she says, she was about to enter foster care at 17 when some caring people from her church rescued her. She found stability inside the "Christian bubble," going to a religious college for two years before transferring to Oakland University in Michigan. Fleece says a lot of millennials can relate to her story: "We just live in a divorce culture. People don't realize the tremendous hurt that goes on with that." She believes her generation's experience with divorce is one reason messages about the sanctity of heterosexual marriage don't ring true to her peers. "It is a message that hurts people. And our message isn't to hurt," she explains. She's still struggling for an elevator speech that stresses the moral superiority of marriage between a man and a woman without making anyone feel bad.
It's a challenge when you work for an organization that, until last summer, was still running seminars to turn gay people straight. But Fleece hopes that at some point, gay people will feel welcome at Focus. "I have biological family who are gay. I mean, let's be honest—who doesn't?" she says. While she doesn't endorse their lifestyle, Fleece thinks there is no reason to single out gays for more moral censure than, say, men who cheat on their wives. "We're all sinners."
At one time, such a confession might have seemed like a firing offense at a group like Focus. But Fleece has been hired specifically to push the envelope, a move that suggests that at least some conservatives recognize the existential urgency of reaching youth. Gary Schneeberger, Focus on the Family's vice president of ministry communications, says it comes down to simple numbers: "Pollster Frank Luntz calls this generation the 2020 generation. That's when 90 million of them will be eligible voters. They will represent 39 percent of the electorate."
Schneeberger is fluent with Center for American Progress research indicating that millennials think religious faiths should focus on tolerance and "peace in society," not fighting gay rights and abortion. What young people really care about, he notes, are "social justice issues" and being part of a larger cause. He admires the way President Obama tapped into this yearning during the campaign, a model that Focus hopes to emulate. "Our goal is to recognize what motivates this generation," he says. "We need to take what we're already doing"—such as ministering to foster children—"and express it in a way that meets them where they're at."
As for revising the positions that are alienating youth, though, that's not really in the cards. "The things we stand for, especially in the policy realm, are things that are rooted in our understanding of the Scripture," says Schneeberger. "So when we say we think we believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman, that's not going to change."
Comments
Oh happy day
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed Jan. 6, 2010 12:51 PM PST.
I always say to my daughter that her world will be different than mine and in a good way as we continue to move away from the superstition and backwardness of my parent's and my generation into a more reasoned future.
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Same Wheel, New Spin.
Submitted by Doggernaut on Wed Jan. 6, 2010 3:44 PM PST.
Hands down, this has always my favorite rationale for feigned acceptance:
"While she doesn't endorse their lifestyle, Fleece thinks there is no reason to single out gays for more moral censure than, say, men who cheat on their wives. 'We're all sinners'."
I've lost many of friends over that logic. It speaks volumes to me in that they clearly lack critical thinking skills.
I do find that it is very
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun Jan. 31, 2010 5:01 PM PST.
I do find that it is very unfortunate that you have lost friends because of their feigned acceptance.
However, I certainly disagree with the idea that disaproval of a certain decision or lifestyle necessitates a "feigned acceptance." In fact, I think that having relationships with people of differing beliefs is the very definition of diversity. It is challenging to develop deep and meaningful relationships with those who view life from another perspective, yet it enlarges the mind and the worldview of both parties.
I have to admit that I am quite thankful for people that are willing to hear out others with differing opinions; it sounds like this is what Fleece does.
As a "millennial" myself...
Submitted by Alex C. (not verified) on Thu Jan. 7, 2010 12:09 AM PST.
No amount of digital exposure or youth outreach from a group we came into political maturity knowing as myopic flat-earthers, gay-bashers, and war-mongers will ever convince either my friends or myself that the Christian Right has our best interests in mind.
We have learned—through simple common sense—that there is no omnipotent and omniscient being who sits on a cloud above us, as we've also learned that you cannot conflate religion and morality.
(And really, who the hell knows who the youngest Baldwin brother is anyway?)
Common Sense actually shows
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu Jan. 28, 2010 1:53 PM PST.
Common Sense actually shows that God does exist. To believe otherwise shows a lack of understanding of the world around you. The world as we know it scream that there is a All Powerful Creator. It is really to simplistic of you to make such a bold statement that you hope it true, “that there is no omnipotent and omniscient being”.
Dear person, I think a little more evaluation of the world around you and its complexities will reveal to you that there is an Omnipotent and Omniscient Being, who not only exits, but also cares a great deal about you, and yes the whole world. God loves us, and yes he hates our perversions that come in many forms, and our selfishness. There is more to say, but I really hope you and others are encouraged to find the truth of God.
If this kind of outreach to moderate young people
Submitted by kahner on Fri Jan. 8, 2010 11:58 AM PST.
actually led to more moderate policies in the republican party it would be a good long term plan for them and for the country. But of course it really is just a PR push meant to trick young voters. Unless the "myopic flat-earthers, gay-bashers, and war-mongers" who run the republican party now are swept out of power and replaced by true moderates from the younger generations the core policy positions won't change. But I fear that will never happen because there will always be greedy hatemongers and corporate money to fund them.
just looked at Esther Fleeces facebook page and its terrible
Submitted by kahner on Fri Jan. 8, 2010 12:12 PM PST.
The whole thing is just pathetic. First of all, she has a total of 208 friends. That's less than the average teenager (I made that stat up, but you get the point).
Second, her most recent post is "Brit Hume sharing some of his story http://tinyurl.com/yct295w". Way to connect to the youth vote, Esther. They're all into brit hume's story. Didn't he have a cameo in Twilight? Another keeper is "What if Mother Mary Had Obamacare? by CHUCK NORRIS (yeah!)". That's bringing in some real Star Power (from the late 70's early 80's).
And finally, her profile quote is "What do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? -Jesus Christ". Umm, I think that's the question she should have asked herself before taking a job with Focus on the Family.
If this is the best outreach strategy the GOP comes up with then in 20 years the party will be gone.
First of all, she has almost
Submitted by Nebraska Girl (not verified) on Mon Jan. 25, 2010 11:08 AM PST.
First of all, she has almost 1,700 friends...and I am one of them. Secondly, I know her and I have never seen someone who relates to people so well and who can be-friend anyone. They hired Esther because of her incredible people skills and the fact that she will change the world because of her passion and even more importantly, because Jesus Christ is behind her every move. Just you wait...she will surprise you :)
Wow. That is quite the snap
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon Jan. 25, 2010 4:01 PM PST.
Wow. That is quite the snap judgement without knowing someone. As mentioned previously, Esther has over a thousand friends on facebook, but that's a minor detail on a much larger issue. The people who follow her facebook and Twitter accounts are actually interested in facts that you so quickly diminished. Thankfully, only one persons opinion does not set the standard for all things interesting. Just because you may not find them enlightening does not take away their value to another who finds them so. And last, to suggest that she has lost her soul by working at Focus puts the soul on such an invaluable level. If you believe in eternity, then ones soul could not be so easily lost by a career choice. She is standing up for what she believes in and that is a point to be admired, not mocked.
Re: just looked at Esther Fleeces facebook page and its terrible
Submitted by Trevor (not verified) on Thu Jan. 28, 2010 1:46 PM PST.
kahner,
I can't believe you are making a judgment call on someone you don't even know based on their facebook page - which ironically is what you are calling pathetic. I know Esther Fleece personally - I am assuming you don't. While I won't sit here and mock you like many on these blogs would, I want to remind you that Esther doesn't work for the GOP - she works for Focus. What does the number of her friends on facebook (of whom I am one) have to do with anything related to her views or how she is trying to influence the world around her? If you have opposing views, great - get out there and do something about them just like she is. It's easy to sit there behind your computer and criticize and be cynical - I challenge you to do more, like Esther is, whether you agree with her or not.
- Trevor, Colorado Springs, CO
Americans over 50 number 50
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri Jan. 15, 2010 2:51 PM PST.
Americans over 50 number 50 million right now and will be over 100 million in another 10 yrs. so the 18-29 yr. olds actually number fewer than the "politically powerful seniors" you refer to in your article.
tolerance?
Submitted by barely millennial mrs. k (not verified) on Mon Jan. 25, 2010 10:42 AM PST.
oh goodness. it's always baffled me how the only group no one's afraid of not tolerating, is the christian/conservative group. "we think everyone should believe whatever they want"...unless of course, that belief centers around God, Christ, or absolutes.
i don't always agree on the everyday opinions that come out of focus on the family or dr. james dobson. but, if you take an honest look at the organization, you'll see their primary method has always been upholding their beliefs. if someone from outside the organization chooses to read "we believe in the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman" as "we hate all gays," then that sounds like more of an interpretation issue, than a "bashing" issue.
and while we're on the subject of quick judgement, let's not attack an intelligent, youth-minded young lady, that likely nobody here actually knows. would you want someone completely judging not only who you are, but your entire agenda, based on a singluar article and your facebook page? i'm not sure i would. and please let's keep in mind, that she was found, at the very least, worthy of an article by a magazine that has not classicaly agreed with her viewpoint.
Proud
Submitted by Chrissie (not verified) on Mon Jan. 25, 2010 10:48 AM PST.
As a millenial myself, I am so thankful Esther is brave enough to speak out in a way that is often unpopular. It seems as though the message of tolerance is a popular one in our generation until they are asked to tolerate a conservative viewpoint. Everyone deserves a chance to voice their values and opinions and I am proud of Esther for inspiring her peers to love Jesus and love each other.
@ both of the above
Submitted by anonymoose (not verified) on Mon Jan. 25, 2010 11:08 AM PST.
There is a marked difference between tolerating a "conservative viewpoint" and allowing you to try to form legislation around your conservative viewpoints.
""we believe in the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman"
Ok, cool. Tell you what. If you believe that marriage should be between one man and one woman, do not perform same-sex marriages within your private organization. When you try to cross the line from there to "because I don't think gays should marry, then they are undeserving of the same rights that I have," that's when you have exceeded the limits of tolerance.
When I tolerate you, I have to leave you to live your life, whether or not I agree with it. When your life infringes upon mine, tolerance is over. Nobody is asking you to get gay married, or to perform a ceremony, or even to attend one. Just let me have mine or else STFU about not hating me because it's pretty fucking obvious that you do.
PS - I'm glad that the whole "sanctity of marriage" bit keeps the divorce rate below 50%. What's that? It doesn't? My bad, there I go letting facts outweigh faith again.
Dear Anonymoose
Submitted by Meg (not verified) on Tue Jan. 26, 2010 12:06 PM PST.
Ok, this is where arguments about gay marriage always seem to end up; intolerance. The moral conservatives are arguing for marriage exclusively between a man and a woman and the liberals pushing for freedom of choice. At first glance it looks as if the liberals want tolerance and want everyone to mind their own business, but I think we need to look deeper. This isn’t a you-do-your-thing and I’ll-do-mine issue. It’s a moral issue that our country needs to take a stance on. We have laws governing our society to maintain order and we don’t say “go ahead and murder, as long as it’s not me”. Our laws regulate business, medicine, and even marriage. So the issue is not that the moral conservatives are being intolerant, it’s that we have 2 groups of people with opposing stances on a moral issue. Keep in mind that according to most states laws, marriage is exclusively between a man and a woman so I’m not sure why that is so offensive to you. Obviously this is a hot topic in our country right now and there are plenty of people in each camp. We need to continue to have open and respectful dialogue about this issue.
Again, this is an issue of
Submitted by cboy121 (not verified) on Fri Feb. 12, 2010 12:45 PM PST.
Again, this is an issue of intolerance. The fact that most states have laws restricting marriage to heterosexuals isn't proof that this discrimination is right. Many states had laws banning interracial marriage not long ago. The Supreme Court determined this was not an issue of morality, but one of bigotry. Comparing gay marriage to murder is specious. In spite of repeated efforts to prove that gay marriage (or even the state of being gay) causes harm, LGBT people remain valuable, contributing citizens, and many, even in the face of hateful campaigns by groups like Focus on the Family, are deeply committed Christians. I wish these groups would focus their attention and resources on social justice and peacemaking. You know, the kind of things about which Jesus was concerned...
I think we have become a lost
Submitted by Nebraska Girl (not verified) on Mon Jan. 25, 2010 11:20 AM PST.
I think we have become a lost generation, unable to think for ourselves as the media often shoves their political and moral views down our throats. It is so encouraging to see a young woman stand up and fight for her peers to really think about what it is we are standing for and where we want the country to go. Just because TV, radio, magazines and newspapers fill our world with their opinions doesn't mean those with a view in opposition of it is wrong. Esther will have a INCREDIBLE impact on this generation, even if it is unnoticeable to many people. What is the truth? Where do morals come from? Who defines truth? The answer is Jesus Christ and that's why she will make a difference, because she represents Him!
You know, we can disagree on
Submitted by Jess (not verified) on Mon Jan. 25, 2010 11:33 AM PST.
You know, we can disagree on things and still treat each other with respect. I think that's what Esther was trying to get across and I appreciate it. Let's try to extend some grace and *tolerance* in the other direction. Even though you don't agree 100% with what she said, you can be tolerant and allow her and Focus to practice their beliefs. Tolerance and respect should go both ways and no one has to compromise what they believe.
Positive change at Focus
Submitted by Hoff (not verified) on Mon Jan. 25, 2010 11:34 AM PST.
As someone who has lived down the street from Focus on the Family for many years now, I have been largely disenchanted with the way they have handled themselves and the image they have portrayed. However, seeing their willingness to bring someone like Esther on board shows a positive change in that organization.
What you see in the millennial generation is a group of young adults disenfranchised with the way both political parties have operated and with how religious organizations have positioned themselves. I know plenty of people who have a strong faith in God who are Democrats as well as Republicans. The majority of us are more moderate in our views and are growing very tired of the extreme left as well as the extreme right.
Kudos to Esther Fleece for trying to bring change to an organization like Focus and help them understand a generation's frustration. She has a tall task in front of her and I think she deserves an enormous amount of respect for what she is trying to accomplish.
Connecting personal views about what is best for the country with politics, tolerance, and civil liberties will always be a challenging issue. Lets all of us never forget to be grateful that we live in a country where we can have open discussion like this.
I am happy to see that there
Submitted by Preston S (not verified) on Mon Jan. 25, 2010 11:51 AM PST.
I am happy to see that there is a voice for the Young Conservative Christian cause. Esther is doing the right thing for standing up and defining what she believes to be correct vs. what is politically or socially expedient. Focus and I at times share different views, but I appreciate Esther and her willingness to do what she feels is right.
Taking the path of least resistance is what makes rivers and men crooked.
Cudos, Esther.
Submitted by A. Keane (not verified) on Mon Jan. 25, 2010 12:20 PM PST.
I agree with the above post by "barely millennial mrs. k."
How is it that such a "progressive, diverse party" can be so accepting of every other religious belief from Tom, Dick & Harry but as soon as the God card gets thrown in, all bets are off? This stuff is easy, people. READ THE CONSTITUTION or how about the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - founded under God and Christian principals, imagine that. It seems the further we stray from this, the worst off our country gets.
I'm very thankful that Esther has been given a platform to speak on behalf of common-sense conservatives like myself, who happen to hold our Christian values close to heart. I think she does a fine job and deserves to be respected for making a concerted effort to educate & promote moral viewpoints. She stands up for what she believes in and refuses to bow down to the slue of social issue solutions that are being fed to us by our pop culture president. For this I say, "Congratulations, sister! Keep it up!"
Life is but a breath
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon Jan. 25, 2010 1:44 PM PST.
I read this article this morning and have been thinking about it all day. I have come to the conclusion that this article and topic in general is something that conservative Christians and non-Christians will never agree on. As Christians, coming from the same viewpoint as Esther, we believe we are called to follow a higher standard, God and His Word. This includes some laws and topics that are "offensive" to society's current views. However, if we believe the Bible and believe the words it says, then the "intolerant!" cries of society shouldn't really bother us. Christianity teaches that "life is but a breath" and that earth is the shortest part of our journey. If we believe in eternity, like Esther does, then we'd want to reach as many young people as possible, stand up for what we believe in and live a life that is in accordance to our beliefs. If this is unbelievable to an unbelieving world, then so be it. We aren't living to please them anyway. Way to go, Esther. Stay strong.
Fleece
Submitted by Belief (not verified) on Mon Jan. 25, 2010 2:38 PM PST.
It's awesome to see someone with passion and purpose! I'm glad that Focus has recognized the need to connect with a younger generation.
Regarding Esther's progress made and desire to impact an entire generation... first of all it is so much easier to not make a stand, at all, about anything. Why has the younger generation made 'belief" such a bad thing? Its as though if you believe any one thing (really believe it, so much so that it actually affects your life) than your labeled negatively.
For her to be on board with an organization like Focus, BELIEVE in what they stand for, and pursue avenues to share that with other people is not only brave, but neccessarry. More people need to assess what they believe and why.... and weather or not it is worth sharing.
As a millennial, and someone
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon Jan. 25, 2010 8:31 PM PST.
As a millennial, and someone who graduated in the class of 2000, I have noticed so many stories on how older generations want to understand the mind of the new upcoming generation. Its encouraging that Focus on the Family is able to see the need for a professional from the generation they are trying to understand and reach. Rather than just 'market research' to get millennial's opinions, she can make a difference by living it. I think the work Esther is doing is important, and takes courage. If you don't see how, try standing up to peer pressure to speak your truth, its not easy. Props to you Esther, keep up the good work.
It seems there will always be
Submitted by bk (not verified) on Mon Jan. 25, 2010 11:50 PM PST.
It seems there will always be people who hate other people just because they believe differently. People will read controversial comment threads and their blood will boil until they can think of something that they think is witty to sting someone back. Esther, it seems, is one who has found a way to rise above the middle-school-playground-banter to reach out to someone, anyone, who will listen. You can bet she's read this article, and the demeaning comments that follow. She COULD banter and rage in response, trying to save a small piece of dignity. Her response? "Esther Fleece is learning to have thicker skin w/ a soft heart..." (a recent facebook status). I don't care what side of the political fence you fall on, someone with that amount of composure, self-dignity, and humility commands respect. That's leadership. Esther will continue to believe what she believes - not because she's narrow minded but because she simply want's to help people - and people will continue to barrage her with hate speech. But as she presses on quietly (with the biggest, most genuine smile you've ever seen), you can bet Esther will make a difference in someone's life. Esther IS changing people's minds and making people think, not by her Tweets, but by the life she lives.
Esther seems to be bringing
Submitted by butchdaulton (not verified) on Tue Jan. 26, 2010 12:18 AM PST.
Esther seems to be bringing something back to Focus on the Family that it may have been lacking of late ~ cultural relevance. For too long FotF has been seen primarily as an organization of "antis" - anti-this and anti-that. There is nothing wrong with holding strong to one's doctrines, whatever they may be. A lack of convictions is often a sign of intellectual laziness. However, in dealing with the world around us, doctrine needs to be tempered by grace. Kudos to you, Esther, for being the voice that balances grace and truth.
I know Esther well enough to
Submitted by Philip Canipe (not verified) on Tue Jan. 26, 2010 9:10 PM PST.
I know Esther well enough to echo the comments of "Nebraska Girl." She is one of the brightest and articulate minds I know. Her blogs and speeches are both challenging and convicting. And I'm proud of her for unabashedly voicing her ideologies.
In regards to those of you that posted negative comments with a code name/anonymously: I enjoy hearing and taking part honest debate, especially on issues like this that I care deeply about. However, your anonymous posts communicate a great lack of courage to the rest of us. It is difficult to engage deep conversations with such cowards.
Reply to A. Keane
Submitted by Philip Canipe (not verified) on Tue Jan. 26, 2010 9:55 PM PST.
I once had a professor in college tell me that the problem with the Republican Party is that, aggregately, it lacks religious tolerance. After thinking about her comments, I concluded two things:
One: The Christian-conservative voter base - which by no means represent the Republican aggregate - do indeed lack a universalist religious tolerance.
Two: My Political Science professor's party - "the progressive left" - has a tolerance for every religion on the planet, except that of Christianity.
What she and most Leftists are really saying is that they are afraid to celebrate a religion that will most likely vote against them. That is why publications like the New York Times, USA Today, the Washington Post, NewsWeek, Time Magazine, etc. publicize such "intolerance" of Christianity with such regularity. Not to mention Mother Jones!
What baffles me is when the left elects representatives that claim they follow Christ while the dominate-liberal-establishment-mass-media continues to attack the Christ in which they follow. Obviously, the Democratic party is simply trying to win votes.
In closing, here's a news flash to the journalists: You'll eventually sink yourselves if you continue to pick on Christianity while your politicians are increasingly claiming Christ to attract voters... Rather counter-intuitive if you ask me.
If we want truth, sometimes
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun Jan. 31, 2010 5:28 PM PST.
If we want truth, sometimes we have to get out of our comfort zone--meeting new people with new ideas and allowing our own thoughts to be challenged.
I'm thankful that Focus is looking for ways to engage this generation in a way that is meaningful and current--getting out of their comfort zone.
Instead of blaring their ideas through an old megaphone, they have obviously tried to hire someone that is going to engage people--whether gay or straight, Christian or athiest--in ways they can hear.
If FOCUS (who is known for strong opinions on various topics) can look for ways to accept people and communicate their value, I'm surprised that the liberal readers commenting on this article (who are known for spouting TOLERANCE) have had so little grace in their comments. Interesting...
An interesting read, with a
Submitted by Benjamin Terry (not verified) on Tue Feb. 2, 2010 8:18 PM PST.
An interesting read, with a deceiving title.
I was expecting to read about John McCain pedaling around the Pacific Northwest on a fixed gear bike, wearing skinny jeans and non-prescription eyewear. But basically, it looks like just a story about how the FOF and James Dobson (is that guy still alive?) bought themselves a fembot with gay friends and a web 2.0 presence. This should not be so surprising to any of us who are in the 18-32 category. And, yes, I did actually extended the age category to include myself.
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