Readers have strong reactions to column on Dobson

Last week I innocently wrote about James Dobson and his arrogant demand that Republicans must complete his agenda or he will have them voted out of office.

Imagine my surprise when I arrived at my desk early Monday and found a small pile of letters from agitated readers.

It is my belief that these letter writers are decent people, Christians of one sort or another. But it always surprises me to find how upset some readers can become with one of my columns, such as last week's one about a so-called Christian educator.

Dobson may be the best thing since poached eggs, and with his wealth, one assumes he can defend himself. My gripe is not that he is rich, but rather that he believes he lives inside of God's mind.

A letter writer from Wisconsin says he was "aghast after reading your ridiculous diatribe about James Dobson."

I love letters that call my column a diatribe because they usually end up being diatribes. The letter writer goes on with great energy.

"Mr. Dobson has devoted his life to helping children and families across America and beyond (to) avoid the pitfalls and traps set by the evil powers that be in government. Mr. Dobson will surely go to his grave fighting for what he believes. What have you done with your life Mr. Morphew?

"Reading your article made me believe that you are about the sorriest excuse for a man of God that there could possibly be."

Another tip-off that a letter writer is really angry is when the word "ilk" is employed. It usually goes something like this: "I think you and your ilk stink." Sometimes the letter writer will use "gutless" to describe me and my ilk.

This reader from Texas thinks I'm gutless and says she has good reason to believe it.

"The reason Jim Dobson's list of eight principles are too heavy for you is that you, too, are a gutless wonder like most of our congressmen and (you) know that our amoral society won't want these changes."

The Texas reader then insults the president and completes that part of her letter by calling William Jefferson Clinton a "baby killer."

She ends her letter with another insult.

"I think you're not really a Godly man, because your views aren't in His favor. Turn in your clerical robes and take back the wolf's face."

Then comes the real zinger: "Now why don't you criticize Deion Sanders?" My only question: Who is Deion Sanders?

It should be obvious even to the casual reader that a person can take only so much of this hostile criticism. It cuts a man to his soul. My mind is filled with guile. My eyes squint. My teeth grind. I am nearly a lost soul when suddenly more letters arrive. I open them with trembling fingers.

The first one, from a Florida reader says, "AT LAST!! A voice of reason and sensibility." I am saved from despair.

She goes on to tell about friends of hers insisting she watch the Jerry Falwell video that accuses President Clinton of every crime conceived by humankind. And she wonders how anyone could believe such a "vile video."

She calls all the hubbub about Bill Clinton's private life "low-grade voyeurism.

"I think what they (Clinton detractors) have done to him and Mrs. Clinton, and to the presidency, is the real crime. And our country will pay for it in the years to come."

Indeed, after the past years of chaos, one wonders why any sensible person would consider running for president. In the future, any candidate's entire family will be under scrutiny and accusations.

One final sample of my mail. This letter writer, also from Florida, believes the criticism of President Clinton is driven by fear.

"Thank God for your strong words concerning Dr. Dobson and the Christian right. Imagine believing you know exactly what God wants for others. I try to remember these are fear-driven ideas -- but then I remember how seductive the sense of power can be."

So, you see, some days it works out evenly -- two for and two against. But I want you to know, I'm sincerely grateful for all the mail I get because it all adds to the mix of ideas.

Clark D. Morphew

April 4, 1998