Maybe, but the Reverend invited her. These guys didn't get a say in this photo op.
Posted on 11/24/2009 1:52:06 PM PST by 2ndDivisionVet
Private meeting is one thing; cheap photo op is another.
I don't mean to begrudge Billy Graham a Sunday afternoon visit from an admirer. I just wish he hadn't been used as a political prop.
Picking up the paper Monday morning, I cringed at news of Sarah Palin spending the day with the evangelist at his home in Montreat. Especially cringe-inducing was the picture of Palin holding her special needs child, Trig, on her lap as mother and son shared what looked to be a less-than-spontaneous moment with Graham. It definitely wasn't a private moment, since a photographer had to have been close by.
My issue isn't with Palin. She's just the latest in a long line of politicians who saw an opportunity when it smacked her in the face. The same story on the front page of Monday's Observer noted that President Obama called Graham to wish him a happy 91st birthday. I do believe, however, that taking a detour from a book tour to make an appearance at the Graham house seems tawdrier than sending birthday greetings.
My issue isn't with Billy Graham, who spent a lifetime reveling in the presence of politicians and celebrities. His legacy will have to leave room for cozying up to the likes of Richard Nixon. How many hurting people refused to take Graham's hand because of his partisanship? But in the decade-plus that I covered him, I came to believe that the narrowing of his ministry sprang from a noble reason: He believed he could make a spiritual difference in their lives, and in all of our lives as a result. I also think the farm boy from Charlotte never got over being star-struck in the presence of famous people. If someone invites you over for Sunday lunch with Billy, ask him about the time Muhammad Ali stopped by to eat.
My issue is with those who would allow Billy Graham to be sullied in this way.
Franklin Graham, who runs the Graham ministry, has a place in Alaska and has done some religious work there. Billy Graham had suggested to his son that he ought to invite the ex-governor over next time she's near North Carolina. If they want to have her over, that's fine. But allowing it to become a public event obviously changes the nature, and motive, of the meeting.
It's left me a little angry, but mostly sad.
The Palin visit is part of the pattern of Franklin Graham moving his father's ministry to the political and spiritual right. I'll let the scholars debate whether this will one day tear down what Billy Graham spent a lifetime building up.
All I know from a decade writing about Billy Graham is that he always sought to reach out to everyone regardless of politics. He devoted his glorious lifetime to helping the lost find their way. He deserves our affection, respect and prayers. He doesn't deserve to be a model in a photo op with Sarah Palin or any other glad-hander coming to steal his glory.
*******
From former Observer religion editor Ken Garfield, now director of communications at Myers Park United Methodist Church in Charlotte.
He invited her.
If he invited me, I’m not going to say no.
Palin was invited by the Graham’s and the pictures were released by the Graham family, not Palin. No matter what Palin does, says, doesn’t do or doesn’t say, those who dislike her will find fault.
I’ve gotten to the point where I pay no attention to these attacks.
I can readily see why he is a “former” religion editor.
Dear Charlotte Observer, it should be of no surprise to you or anyone else, that Reverend Graham is all growed up and furred over. I believe he can pick who he has dinner with and what publicity coverage he wishes. I doubt seriously he needs your opinions or insights. Just saying.
Methinks he just wanted to say something unkind about Sarah Palin. Very Christian of him.
I’d be more pissed about your Methodist dig if it weren’t so damn true - especially on the East Coast. We have almost all Asbury grads at our church in San Antonio, which makes us WAAAY more conservative than most UMC’s, and even many of ours are liberal.
Colonel, USAFR
Woo hoo!!! Way to go, Sarah!
What is up with the bashing of Trig??? Okay, I know why but geez, give it a rest people!
you remember a couple years ago when Billy G was giving a sermon, and then the Clintons came out of the crowd up to the podium and began campaigning with him?
Reminded me of the climax of “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou” when that sleazy Governor ran up on stage with the Swampy Bottom Boys during their performance.
Maybe this writer should pick up the paper and read it instead of lining bed with it.
His point of her using this as a photo-op is nothing but BS.
The only photo-op that America has not seen of o-bow-man is of him, if he really does, wiping his butt.
Well said. The Graham's are the panderers here. After getting exposed for their heavy hands in the donation trays they were looking for some good exposure. If I were Palin I wouldn't have been so nice.
If this criticism doesn’t get traction, next they will remind everyone that Graham was a friend of Nixon’s.
Democrats know parents of special needs kids appreciate Palin including her child in these events. So they attack, I guess, in the hope she will hide the kid at home.
Read the whole article, it’s in there...
I remember this:
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Speaking to thousands of people on the second night of his crusade in New York City, Billy Graham stood by the side of former President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary. Graham said “Mrs. Clinton might make a good President.” He called Bill Clinton and his wife “wonderful friends” and “a great couple.” Graham said that the former President “should become an evangelist and allow his wife to run the country.”
http://soldierservant.wordpress.com/2007/07/15/billy-graham-endorsed-hillary-clinton-for-president/
(other links available upon request)
..my friend ran out into the middle of Colorado Blvd. during the Rose Parade to shake his hand—it was an uninvited encounter but Dr. Graham very graciously shook his hand —I’ll never forget it...
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