I will embed the video when it is available. For now, here are some observations on the segment regarding Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Bill and the appearance of Richard Cohen.
Maddow began with a summary of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill and attempts to link the Family and the bill. She described the March conference and then interviewed Cohen.
Cohen said his work has been misrepresented. He said that he is totally against the Ugandan bill. That was the high spot.
Richard said he did not portray homosexuals as predators. He scoffed at this. However, Rachel Maddow read to him page 49 from Coming Out Straight where Cohen quotes Paul Cameron. I noted this section earlier today.
Cohen said he plans to remove the Cameron quotes when he reprints the book. She then quoted a recent newsletter where Cohen again accused gays of targeting children.
Maddow then read from page 75 of Gay Children, Straight Parents where Cohen completes a list of 10 factors regarding why people are gay. Under other factors, he listed “divorce, death of a parent, adoption, religion, race, rejection by opposite sex peers.”
Cohen first was skeptical that he included race in his book which led her to read it directly from the book. He eventually admitted that race was not a factor.
It was actually painful to listen to Cohen’s protests of being misunderstood. He says he does not stigmatize people with SSA and then he quotes Paul Cameron’s “studies.” He says he doesn’t cure but then he says homosexuality is a psychological problem. He says race is a factor and then takes it back.
When the video is available, I will put it up…
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I know!!!! Amazing how selective we can be. I must admit – I have smiled and shaken hands with people I despise and have also done business with them.
We seek a faith that validates our worthiness (and others unworthiness) and supports our biases.
If that isn’t a golden calf, I don’t know what is.
@ Daniel,
A personal appeal to “social justice” that seeks less “civil rights” and more personal accountability.
From: http://www.ncregister.com/site/article/how_cohabitation_is_a_sin_against_social_justice
Richard Cohen at least twice in the Maddow interview claims to have helped “thousands” change from gay to straight. Impressive. The only thing is, you can never find even one person out of the thousands……
By contrast, it is interesting that the president of NARTH says (at http://www.citizenlink.org/CLtopstories/A000010419.cfm)
“It also confirms what we have seen evidenced in hundreds of individuals who have benefited from the help of NARTH therapists”.
I do not know the current total number of NARTH practitioner members, but it’s certainly more than, say, 10.
So, how come Cohen – one individual – achieves “thousands”, whereas the total membership of NARTH practitioners only manages “hundreds” between them all?
I have been in practice for over 20 years and the sum total of the people I have helped with all kinds of afflictions is under 2000.
Cohen may be referencing not only his individual work, but his work at public speaking and his publishing work…that would easily make thousands.
David/Phil: I figure that is what Cohen means, although by that way of thinking we could assert with equal level of certainty that he has harmed thousands.
He does a lot of teleconferences and “healing seminars” where 10-20 poor folks are subjected to his teachings. I have spoken to dozens of people who have been in one of them. They all tell similar stories. Some like Cohen and some don’t, but they tell similar stories about what he does. I have thought about collating these stories into an article but am a little nervous about the firestorm that might result.
They have told me that he cries about how he has been treated because of his beliefs, that he has sworn at his clients, that he berates them and ther are some reports I am reluctant to believe. One supporter reported on film that participants could not ask him a question directly but rather had to ask a co-presenter (he must have been “the artist formerly know as Richard” that day).
I am willing to believe that he has been involved with thousands, but I am extremely skeptical that he has helped that many.
Dr. Throckmorton, I think it would be extremely useful if you did this! I am sure that the result would be of material assistance to many. However, I can understand your concern about the possible consequences.