The media-manufactured Bachmann scandal

If you have been watching the news for the last few days you probably heard some of the following allegations about Michele Bachmann and her husband, Marcus, stated as unambiguous facts:

that she said homosexuals are "part of Satan";
that he denied counseling homosexuals who wanted to change their lifestyle;
that he called homosexuals "barbarians."

I've carefully read every single story about this brewing "scandal" and come to the unavoidable conclusion that all three essential allegations are without merit – totally untrue. This conclusion, of course, leads to a few others:

that the media are afraid of Michele Bachmann's stunning popularity in Republican presidential polls;
that the media are out to get Michele Bachmann by hook or by crook;
that the media will say anything and do anything to prevent Michele Bachmann's compelling message from being heard through their lens of distortion and lies.

Let's talk specifics here.

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No. 1: Did Michele Bachmann say, as has been repeated ad nauseam in reports by CNN and dozens of other news sources, that homosexuals are "part of Satan"?

No, she did not. Here is what she did say in context in a speech in 2004: "We need to have profound compassion for the people who are dealing with the very real issue of sexual dysfunction in their life, and sexual disorders. This is a very real issue. It's not funny, it's sad. Any of you who have members of your family that are in the lifestyle – we have a member of our family that is. This is not funny. It's a very sad life. It's part of Satan, I think, to say this is gay. It's anything but gay."

Now, I shouldn't have to explain the way the English language works to producers and editors at CNN and other major news agencies, but clearly that last inelegant statement does not say that individuals practicing homosexuality are "part of Satan." It suggests that it is satanic to suggest that the gay lifestyle is funny. There is no condemnation of individuals in her statement. Instead, the full context of her statement is urging compassion for people struggling with sexual dysfunction and sexual identity disorders.

I agree with Michele Bachmann – as tens of millions of other Americans clearly do. To suggest that such views are somehow outside of the boundaries of respectable opinion in this country is to embrace a form of dangerous political correctness and a thought-crimes mentality.

No. 2: Did Marcus Bachmann deny counseling homosexuals who wanted to change their lifestyle?

No, he did not. The only evidence for the suggestion that he did comes from an article in the cartoonishly anti-Bachmann Twin Cities alternative City Paper in which Bachmann answers a question we never read or hear.

Here's what that paper actually published: "'That's a false statement,' he says, refusing to answer any questions that don't have to do with Bachmann and Associates. 'Am I aware that the perception is out there? I can't comment on that.' Still, Bachmann offers, 'If someone is interested in talking to us about their homosexuality, we are open to talking about that. But if someone comes in a homosexual and they want to stay homosexual, I don't have a problem with that.'"

There is no clue as to what false statement was that prompted Bachmann's response. Was he asked if he was "anti-gay"? We don't know. Was he asked if his business tries to convert homosexuals who don't want to be treated? We don't know.

What we do know from the full context of his answer is that he affirms his counseling center treats homosexuals who want to leave the lifestyle. Presumably, outfits like City Paper and CNN believe such options should be banned by law.

No. 3: Did Marcus Bachmann call homosexuals "barbarians"?

No, he didn't. Again, in all of these deliberate misquotes and distortions, the actual words uttered by Michele and Marcus Bachmann reveal the truth.

Here's what he actually said in a radio interview about dealing with homosexuality: "I think you clearly say, 'What is the understanding of God's word on homosexuality?' We have to understand barbarians need to be educated. They need to be disciplined and just because someone feels it or thinks it doesn't mean we're supposed to go down that road."

What Marcus Bachmann is talking about here is confronting non-believers with their sin – a widely accepted Christian principle. He's not calling homosexuals "barbarians." "Barbarians" is a euphemism for non-believers. He's talking about the need for individuals and societies to stop just doing whatever feels right and paying attention to God's moral absolutes. In other words, he's being a Christian.

And, ultimately, that is why the Big Media are so intent on discrediting Michele Bachmann – because she and her husband are real Christians.