Focus on the Family lays off 200 employees, endangering marriages
Filed under: Extracurriculars, Simplification, Charity, Relationships, Recession
Recently, newspapers, magazines, and the internet have been buzzing with articles about the declining economy and its effect on relationships. Apparently, while there are numerous reasons for marital strife, most therapists agree that the biggest cause of friction between spouses is money. In fact, according to numerous surveys, the majority of divorced partners cite financial problems as the primary reason for their split. This makes sense; after all, when things are going well, and a couple has enough money to cover all expenses and most discretionary purchases, relationships are easier to sustain. On the other hand, when money gets tighter, couples often have to make difficult decisions, putting their relationships to the test. Needless to say, the recent downturn in the economy has made these sorts of issues particularly relevant.
With winter coming on and Christmas on the horizon, money problems are looming large for many American families. This is especially true in Colorado Springs, where over 200 employees of Dr. James Dobson's Focus on the Family (FOTF) were recently fired. A non-profit, evangelical organization, FOTF describes its mission as "nurturing and defending families worldwide." In the pursuit of this goal, it produces radio programs, runs a "homosexual conversion" program, and heavily lobbies voters and politicians to pass laws in support of its agenda. In fact, FOTF does so many bulk mailings that it has its own zip code.Recently, Focus on the Family was in the news because of its aggressive support of California's Proposition 8, a ballot measure designed to change the California state constitution to de-legalize homosexual marriage. FOTF directly spent $539,000 to support the measure, and contributed a further $83,000 in "non-monetary support." Moreover, one of FOTF's board members, Elsa Prince, donated an additional $450,000 to the fight.
With a combined investment of more than a million dollars, no one can claim that FOTF was unwilling to go the distance in support of its beliefs. Thanks in large part to its efforts, the measure passed and California currently defines marriage as a legal bond that can only exist between a man and a woman. In the process, Prop 8 placed 18,000 same sex marriages in a legal limbo, as the courts attempt to decide if these bonds are still valid or if they are now legally annulled.
In light of their recent decision to lay off so many workers, it's worth asking how many of FOTF's 200 employees would still have jobs if Dr. Dobson had not put all of his organization's money behind attacking gay marriage. Moreover, in the coming weeks, as many of those 200 former workers find their own unions straining under the added stress of financial hardship, one can only hope that their bonds will find the strength that they need to endure. Regardless of the outcome for these families, it seems more than a little ironic that an organization that seeks to preserve the sanctity of marriage may have weakened the unions of so many of its own employees. Then again, after helping dissolve 18,000 marriages, what are a measly 200 more?
Bruce Watson is a freelance writer, blogger, and all-around cheapskate. With the economy headed south, he's wishing the best for ALL married couples.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
11-20-2008 @ 3:11PM
Phil said...
Moronic, anti-Christian article. Typical liberal attack on all that is not liberal. Obviously, even Christian organizations will be affected by the economy and certainly helping to defeat changing the definition of marriage was a worthwhile cause which is what FOTF is all about.
By the way, how is all that "We need change" stuff doing with Obama hiring all the Clinton retreads to work in his administration. Before long the supporters of the first black President in the US will decide he isn't really black afterall. He is multi-racial.
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11-20-2008 @ 5:35PM
not even worth it said...
Feel Better?
11-21-2008 @ 9:45AM
Violet said...
It's really naive of Phil to equate liberal with anti-Christian. Plenty of liberals are also Christian. There is nowhere in the bible that God identifies himself as Republican, Democrat, liberal, conservative, or any other political labels. As a Christian, one's ultimate loyalty ought to be to God, not a political party or label. When right wingers like Phil learn that concept, they will see that in both political parties there are things that please God and other things that don't please God. Neglect of the poor is rampant amongst some of the Republicans, yet these stands go against the gospel of Matthew in which Jesus tells us that whatever we do to the most vulnerable persons, we do to him (see Matthew 25). What pleases God is to look after orphans and widows (James 1:27) and look after the material needs of the poor (James 2:16), not tell them to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps. Selfish ambition, something else that is deplorable to God (see James 3:14), is another problem characteristic I've seen in some right wing candidates. Slowly killing the poor through exploitation and neglect is every bit as deplorable (perhaps worse) compared to killing an unborn child. Simply put, BOTH parties have aspects of their platforms that are out of line with what God asks of us.
The multi-racial comment was rather naive, too. Most people in this country who are descended from slaves are, in fact, multiracial. And by the way, so are many people who identify themselves as white. Perhaps Phil is unaware of the vast numbers of slave women and slave girls who were raped by white pedophilic slaveholders. (Yes, raping a 12 year old slave girl is pedophilia. The slaveholders tried to defend this odious practice by redefining slaves as only 3/5 human but that didn't make it any less abhorrent to God. I wonder how righteous today's right wingers would think this practice was if somebody did it to their own 12 year old. I wonder how they'd feel if somebody broke into their home, snatched their children from their arms, and sold them off like they were used cars. These very practices occured on our own soil, in this country, by people who used God's name to further their own politcal desires.) Perhaps Phil is unaware of the fact that in those days, one drop of African blood was enough to classify a person as black, even though the correct classification would have been multiracial. The difference with Obama is that his white ancestors were willing to go on record as having been part of his parentage. Southern whites who raped black girls and women didn't share that same willingness, so they categorized their offspring as black. Most thinking people today don't care about how much black, white, pink, green, orange, or other ethnic/racial blood is in a person; they care about the character of that person.
I am a Christian who loves God. And I have no objection to Proposition 8. I do, however, object to attempts of right wingers to portray the Republican party as THE party for Christians. They have an easy time seeing the sins of the Democrats but they have a hard time acknowledging their own sins. God abhors lies and considers them to be an abomination (see Proverbs 12:22), yet we heard plenty of lies coming from the administration of Bush. Perhaps Phil and others would do better to pray that leaders of each party be conformed to the righteousness that comes from God. I know that was my prayer for Bush, and it remains my prayer for Obama.
11-21-2008 @ 10:13AM
Bruce Watson said...
Violet-
Thank you for your well-reasoned, thoughtful reply. One of my jobs is to approve the comments that go on my posts. Generally, this is pretty easy; as long as the commenter keeps the swearing to a minimum and doesn't try to sell something, I usually approve his or her response. That having been said, there are times when the anger, vitriol, and short-sightedness of the comments can be a little breathtaking. While the loudest, harshest critics are often the best gauge of the various opinions out there, I find myself hoping for a reader who will offer a voice of reason.
I don't agree with everything that you wrote, but I am very, very appreciative for the way that you wrote it. It sometimes seems like reasoned, thoughtful discussion is missing in the blogosphere (and our larger society). I appreciate that you've done a bit to help revive it!
11-21-2008 @ 2:15PM
Pat Milby said...
I agree with you. A kid could see this article wasn't about the economy or even about all these people. It was just another left wing attack against a ministry.
11-21-2008 @ 5:44PM
Stephanie said...
And, Phil, if he was "fully black," would that make you scared? Does it make you feel safer he "isn't really black"? I'd say typical racist remark, but I don't think you think you're racist or fully comprehend your fear.
11-21-2008 @ 11:58PM
Bianca said...
Phil -- I have a huge problem with you equating liberals to being Anti-Christian. I am a liberal to the core and am also a Christian -- I spend every day praying to God that overzealous Religious Right ASSHOLES like you will finally get a clue and figure out that Jesus was a liberal too. Then maybe you will do something about the huge chip on your shoulder and use your time in a fashion much more becoming of a follower of Christ such as serving your church or helping those in your neighborhood who cannot help themselves such as the disabled or elderly.
Oh and just for the record -- I voted for Obama's white half just as much as I did his black half. As a Christian I don't see color -- I see a man who has dedicated his life to serving his God, his family, his community, his state and his country. And I for one hail him for bringing Hilary on board. The change we need is change from Bush-humpers like you.
11-20-2008 @ 4:32PM
dan's irish wife said...
FOTF and all bigoted groups in the 'name of Jesus' will be better off just going out of business altogether. These Evanglical nuts deserve to have their tax status examined by the IRS and heavily fined for all the antics they pulled with Prop 8. Guess your boys Bush and Cheney will no longer be there to protect your sorry asses. By the way...how is your buddy Ted Haggard doing?
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11-20-2008 @ 4:33PM
da governator said...
OMG BRUCE ur prolly a moran and a TERRIST.
That said, God works in mysterious ways. Chief among them being irony.
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11-20-2008 @ 4:42PM
j said...
I think by putting these marriages to the test, they will only grow stronger! And for 200 employees, I don't know how far a million dollars would have gone. Maybe a couple more months at most? Their organizations purpose is not to provide jobs, it's to defend and support thier interests. That's what they did. Unfortunately the courts will overturn it since we no longer have a democracy that listens to the voice of the voters, if you get mad enough and throw a big enough fit, then that's how you get a law passed nowadays! So maybe the Christians will follow this example, but then it would be hatred. Not defending beliefs. How does that work? OH! Misconstrued logic, just like this article.
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11-20-2008 @ 4:51PM
parepublican said...
Okay I am happy to see something stand steady against what we all know is wrong. They used their money and influence to go against a absolutely wrong thing.( alot of people in the state of CA felt this way too) marriage is defined as one woman one man or better yet in the bible it says for married to go forth and multiply. gays can't do this. They can be together just don't use the term marriage. As for the layoffs, One does not correlate with the others. FOTF does this type of thing all the time. They beleive in the sactity of marriage and I for one am glad they stand up for it. May god bless them and help them find new jobs or be brought back to work for such a fine organisation
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11-21-2008 @ 11:37AM
TMarie said...
Quit quoting the bible ("or better yet in the bible it says for married to go forth and multiply"), your religion is yours to practice however you choose, don't use it to condemn others that choose their own beliefs.
The US was founded by people fleeing religious persecution, and the beauty of America is that you are allowed to believe and practice whichever religion you choose, so am I. We are not made of play-dough, all needing to conform to one religious belief. We are a melting pot of Jews, Christians, Muslims, Atheists, Catholics,..... and yes, gays.
11-20-2008 @ 5:02PM
Teresa said...
As Phil states, even evangelical organizations will be affected by this economical crisis we are ALL in.
Not all marriages are strong, but I do know one thing as a believer in Jesus Christ, if HE is in the middle of it, these couples affected will be seeking Him like never before and HE will take care of them in HIS way. These couples, and I'm sure there are a few singles in this 200 by the way, can choose to press into God's word and their marriages, or choose to be bitter, even both. Regardless God still sits on their throne and He will never leave them nor forsake them.
In regard to them taking funds to fight the ban on same-sex marriages, I'm certain they started campaigning against that way before Fannie & Freddie folded...........and rightfully so. I'm sure they were following God's will for that fight, because we all know deep down inside same-sex marriage is not right!
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11-20-2008 @ 5:04PM
Jesus said...
FOTF is funded by founder; Eric Prince "AMWAY" & of The "BLACKWATER" Garden of Eden/Iraq Mercenary-Murderers, funded by Bush/cheney at more than $1.3 M per mercenary who is paid less than $100K each!
I don't want my US Govt. tax dollars igniting any further "Crusades" against unarmed women & children whose religious beliefs are different than mine!
Dobson's organization is one of weirdest lunatic fringe fanatics, who is very far away from the:
"Help the least among us"
message that we should all be working towards to heal our world wide differences of opinion, uniting on our commomality for the benefit of Humanity.
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12-02-2008 @ 11:13PM
michelle said...
you have lost your mind
11-20-2008 @ 5:09PM
M said...
What a moronic article. A million extra dollars would not have saved 200 jobs.
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11-20-2008 @ 5:12PM
da governator said...
Everyone has very good reasons for holding certain beliefs, but I'm still unclear how people think that gay marriage will affect their own marriages. It seems to me that if someone gets gay married, straight marriages will still be just as strong as they were yesterday.
Can someone explain to me why they think gay marriage will ruin families? If it's their own business, how is it hurting you? It's a touchy topic these days, but I really want to understand your viewpoint.
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11-20-2008 @ 5:25PM
E said...
That's funny ... majority. I heard you folks are being called to the cotton fields to start picking cotton on January 20. Maybe sitting at the back of the bus will be next. Made you think ha? Now think how it will feel like.
Another thing, the bible also say ... women's bodies were not their own but the property of fathers and husbands. Also, what God has joined together let no man put asunder ... should divorce be outlawed? I want to hear from those christian hypocrites. I know you have been around since Jesus' time. I think you were called Pharisees then.
And here's a good one, "Amen I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brother of mine, you did for me." Who again is the majority?
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11-20-2008 @ 6:52PM
VG W said...
Pleeeeeeease! Focus on the Family was founded by Dr. James Dobson who is NOT some weird radical. He has been standing for the same principles since the very beginning of his organization. Frankly I would consider it a privilege to work for the organization and would even be willing to lose my job if it would help to keep our country on track. It matters to everyone whether or not gay marriage is legal. Suppose I teach my young children what the Bible says and that they should commit their lives to it in all integrity, and an openly gay couple moves in next door. My child is forced to hear about a sexual subject that they should not have to hear about at an early age. They are also forced to hear that the laws that I teach them to obey are not respectful of what we have taught them or of the beliefs that have been the foundation of our nation. Remember, it was not that long ago that homosexuality was considered a mental illness by every pschologist out there.
Those who think that conservatives hate homosexuals couldn't be more wrong. They think we are setting ourselves up as judges. We simply believe that Jesus was who He said He was and that the Bible is true . With such a belief, we would be hypocrites NOT to fight for the principles of one man, one woman marriage, and to outlaw the legalized murder of a precious, unborn child. On the other hand, believing as I do, I feel an obligation to help unwed mothers as has FOTF, and would fight very hard to defend or protect any homosexual who was being verbally or physically attacked. I have had many gay friends and co-workers. I do not sit around and insult them or give them a hard time. I do not hate them. I simply believe that it is a major fundamental change in the morality of our nation to recognize marriage as anything other than the union of a man and a woman. I also don't believe that polygamy should be legalized , nor prostitution, nor adultery, nor axe murdering, nor pedophilia.
A person could say of axe murdering or pedophilia that they were born that way, but it doesn't make it right to engage in the act. They would tear down society. They rip our social fabric to pieces . Our country's morals have gone to the sewers. An "anything goes " mentality is to blame. When we no longer have a foundation of accountability, there is no one whom we feel obligated to except our sexual juices. \
Bottom line.....i am not a hate monger. I see all the hate coming from the left who want no rules or responsibility to others, just government hand outs.
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11-21-2008 @ 5:42PM
Stephanie said...
"When we no longer have a foundation of accountability, there is no one whom we feel obligated to except our sexual juices. \
Bottom line.....i am not a hate monger. I see all the hate coming from the left who want no rules or responsibility to others, just government hand outs."
OMG, the simple fact you equate one half of our society (the left) as being the sole source of hate means you really need to get out more and take a look at both sides. Stop confining yourself and your views. You blind yourself and, yes, you create hate within yourself when you do that. The fact that you laid blame on only one side shows that you really have a lot of work to do on yourself.
As for the top sentence on that quote, I just have no clue what you are trying to say. You seem awfully focused on sex a bit much.