Spanning the Spectrum of Stupidity: Part II

My own political bias leads me to emphasize some of the more ridiculous antics of people on the left. Alas, stupidity is something that spans the political spectrum. Here is just one example.

Dr. James Dobson, head of the far right group Focus on the Family, has discovered a heretofore neglected threat to the safety of the nation. While the Bush Administration is focused on the global struggle with the radical Islamist terror movement, Dr. Dobson's chief concern is with a much more insidious threat closer to home.

Who is this deadly enemy of the Republic? One Mr. Spongebob Squarepants:

"Does anybody here know SpongeBob?" Dr. James C. Dobson, the founder of Focus on the Family, asked the guests Tuesday night at a black-tie dinner for members of Congress and political allies to celebrate the election results.

SpongeBob needed no introduction. In addition to his popularity among children, who watch his cartoon show, he has become a well-known camp figure among adult gay men, perhaps because he holds hands with his animated sidekick Patrick and likes to watch the imaginary television show "The Adventures of Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy."

Now, Dr. Dobson said, SpongeBob's creators had enlisted him in a "pro-homosexual video," in which he appeared alongside children's television colleagues like Barney and Jimmy Neutron, among many others. The makers of the video, he said, planned to mail it to thousands of elementary schools to promote a "tolerance pledge" that includes tolerance for differences of "sexual identity."

Nile Rodgers, the creator of the video, denies any intent to promote gay lifestyles, and the video makes no mention of sexual orientation. Still, Dr. Dobson remains unperturbed:

On Wednesday however, Paul Batura, assistant to Mr. Dobson at Focus on the Family, said the group stood by its accusation.

"We see the video as an insidious means by which the organization is manipulating and potentially brainwashing kids," he said. "It is a classic bait and switch."

As someone who shuns Spongebob like the plague, I find this complaint mind-boggling. Concern for family values is one thing. This kind of abject stupidity is something else altogether. Promoting tolerance? Gasp, the horror! Mind-boggling.

(link courtesy of Captain's Quarters)