Thanks for continuing the discussion!

I’m gonna keep the comedic tackle out of the conversation, if you don’t mind, because none of the organizations/groups I associate with sent out anything about that issue (or, if they did, I missed it). In all probability, what has been said about such “violence” would seem to fall (in my view) under the, “And another thing!” category; something said by people who are very upset at the first two issues and miss the humor of a football player tackling his mommy (though I’m sure that’s a conversation point on it’s own in terms of a violent society).

It is my opinion that Focus on the Family is a hate group. Not because I disagree with their interpretation of a religion or faith. But because I am unwilling to live their philosophy — and here I am operating under the assumption that you and I are using this differently than “religion” or “faith,” in part because you chose another word. I’m using “philosophy” here to mean Focus on the Family’s ideology driven agenda and the actions they take to pursue their mission.

While defining a hate group based on rhetoric may be difficult, as seen in this excellent attempt by Geoff Guth, and direct acts to violence have not so-far been attributed to Focus on the Family, we unfortunately have other actions by which to judge the group.

It’s not only that Focus on the Family associates with other known hate groups, such as the Council for National Policy, for associations and associates may not always be a simple matter of choice or shared views (for example, leaders of one may organization may have to meet with leaders of the opposition); but that Focus on the Family funds other hate groups, such as Promise Keeper. Funding, especially in our capitalistic society where lobbyists are hired mercenaries, is a weapon wielded. Focus on the Family funds hate groups who target the same groups of people Focus on the Family hates. How is that not a hate group?

You and I both agree that CBS was unfair (I’d call them jerks with an agenda that should be looked at, but I’m happy to leave it a “unfair” and agree lol)

But when you say, “the Tebow ad simply went through with the agreement,” have had to remind you that part of that agreement may have been broken if, as it appears, the ad lied about his mother’s situation while pregnant; it would be false or misleading advertising, which breaks consumer protection laws and therefore, I imagine, the agreement with CBS.

Re: the spelling comment — I had to mention it or my readers would pester and me (or, some might think I did that to your words). I hope it didn’t sound too snarky, though I suppose in context, there’s little way for it not to… But as one who makes typos all the time (hence my admitted readership heckling), I totally understand one on your post.

To call a group a hate group – referring to Focus on the Family – is also bad form. Just because you do not live their philosophy, that they claim is guided by their religious faith – does not make them a ‘hate group’. I am not here to defend them. I am not a member or a supporter of them but it doesn’t make them a “hate group”.

I completely agree – CBS should have also taken the ad by the gay dating site. Fair is fair when you open the door to one group, it should be open to others. That was CBS’s decision, though, and the Tebow ad simply went through with the agreement.

And, thanks for the spell check. Everyone can use another set of eyes.