Family Research Council Exec Resigns After Confessing to Child Molestation

originally posted by: olaru12

I think you should review this....expecially #5

Damn. You caught me. I've been a conservative disinfo agent all along, guys.



I will attack the source in this instance. These "people" get some kind of sick satisfaction from these kinds of stories. They're almost giddy when these things happen because it allows them to turn their noses up and proclaim, "See! I told you so."

Forget the fact that there's a victim in all of this and something horrible has happened. No, let's just use the whole thing to point out what a bunch of assholes we think Christians are.

That, my friend, is despicable. And that's all Raw Story is anymore. But, you are correct in that this should not be about the source and for that fact, I apologize for putting a kink in the thread.

The far-right Christian Patriarchy—brought to American audiences by the Duggar family—is on the verge of collapse after a series of alleged sex scandals involving the movement’s leaders. Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar have put many years and a lot of work into putting a smiling, nearly normal-seeming face on the extreme Christian right. The couple adheres to a fringe strain of fundamentalist Christianity dubbed the “Christian patriarchy” or sometimes the “Quiverfull” movement, and while there is a lot of internal diversity to the movement, they generally preach a combination of beliefs that run counter to mainstream America: absolute female submission, a ban on dating, homeschooling, a rejection of higher education for women, and shunning of contraception in favor of trying to have as many children as humanly possible. The movement is controversial even within Christian right circles

“In other words, women within this movement are perceived to exist only for the end-goals communicated by the male leaders that perceive themselves as the ‘patriarchs’ of this world,” the lawsuit reads. The conclusion is that a woman who truly believed this—whose boss, mentor, and father figure taught her that total submission was her duty in life—was not able to effectively plot an escape from a sexually coercive relationship.

www.thedailybeast.com...

The more I dig, the more disturbing the information.

The state trooper that Jim Bob informed of the situation (who did not do his duty and report it) is serving a 50+ year sentence for possessing child pornography. Link Here

This is getting unreal.

originally posted by: MonkeyFishFrog
The more I dig, the more disturbing the information.

You said it. It's pretty damn twisted.

originally posted by: windword
a reply to: MonkeyFishFrog

Meh. I read about this, and I think people are making a bigger deal than this has to be. It's really no one's business at all since it happened when he was 14, a protected minor. Kids are curious and experiment, and no amount of religious upbringing is gonna change that.

This is an obvious attack that goes below the belt, in my opinion. I've got other issues and better things to complain about, within this groups agenda, than something someone did when they were 14 years old.

While I too dislike this family and much of what they stand for I honestly am impressed at how this was handled. Who hasn't played Dr with friends when young (14 seems a bit old for it) but curiousity at 14 is a given and given the upbringing this young man had perhaps this was the only way he could get honest and accurate answers about 'girls' bodies (I am assuming it was girls that were involved.

Bringing it to his parents attentions speaks well for him. His parents didn't ignore him either but sought treatment within their understanding (which is a bit disturbing to me) and I truly hope that it cured the tendency and not just supressed it.

I think it speaks badly too of the organization he worked for that they would 'accept' his resignation after his honesty and forthrightness in addressing the situation. A 'family values' organization that just 'throws a member under the bus' for mistakes and blemishing their 'imagine' isn't about family, or otherwise, values whatsoever.

a reply to: FyreByrd

You've obviously skipped over most of the thread and what has been discovered.

A) He repeatedly fondled the breasts and genitals of 4 of his female siblings while they were sleeping (that is a far cry from playing doctor)

B) Josh didn't tell his father, one of the siblings he molested told their father and even then, his father didn't act for over a year.

C) The supposed "counseling" was Josh working on a remodel of a house with a "mentor" like person (Michelle Duggar's words)

D) The only cop aware of the situation turned out to be a child pornography enthusiast himself and did not file a report even though it was his obligation and a duty of his job (surprise, surprise)

This was not handled at all. It was shoved as far and deeply into the dark as was humanly possible.

a reply to: FyreByrd

Please read the police report. His modus operandi was to go to his sisters/the other girl (reported to be his betrothed) while they were sleeping.

He did not bring it to his parents attention. One of the girls went to the Duggar parents in tears about what happened. They did nothing. Approximately nine months later, he molested again. His parents consulted with their church peers at that time and the end result was that Josh was sent away for several months to do manual labor on a building renovation. Only after Josh returned home did his father talk to a state trooper. This trooper was a family friend. This law official was also a mandated reporter who neglected to report the crimes. The trooper talked to Josh and gave him a "stern warning". This man is also now in prison, sentenced to 60 years, for repeated child porn offenses.



*this is where my understanding of the timeline gets fuzzy* - someone close enough to the family documented what was occurring and placed their notes in a book. That book was eventually loaned to another person and that person took action by contacting Harpo Productions. Harpo is Oprah spelled backwards.

*this where the timeline gets more clear* - More than three years after the sexual molestations came to light (within the Duggar family and their church), the Duggar family was in Chicago for a taping of the Oprah Winfrey show. Someone emailed the production company and shared the family history of molestation. Someone in Chicago called a hotline to report the information. The police were then contacted. There was an investigation but it did not go anywhere because there was no evidence that sexual abuse had occurred in the past three years. Those three years were important because the statute of limitations in that jurisdiction is three years. His own confessions could not be held against him since the confessed crimes were beyond the time limit.

He wasn't thrown under any bus. He does not merit a career within an organization that states that they support "A renewal of ethical monotheism and traditional Judeo-Christian standards of morality". I really do not believe that his dismissal is a point of debate. I disagree with the FRC on most points but I agree with them on this.


*edit* Again, OP. I end up just repeating you. Sorry!

a reply to: NiteNGale2

Oh, don't apologize, please. Especially since your posts are far more meatier than mine.

originally posted by: windword
a reply to: MonkeyFishFrog

Meh. I read about this, and I think people are making a bigger deal than this has to be. It's really no one's business at all since it happened when he was 14, a protected minor. Kids are curious and experiment, and no amount of religious upbringing is gonna change that.

This is an obvious attack that goes below the belt, in my opinion. I've got other issues and better things to complain about, within this groups agenda, than something someone did when they were 14 years old.

That was a well reasoned response. I'm very impressed.

Although the Duggars do creep me out, I have to agree with your assessment.

a reply to: Metallicus

I think the trouble is that the organization is one devoted to "moral policing". And, yes, molestation of children is generally unforgivable and certainly unsuitable for a moral barometer. People give this group money, do they not? They're tax exempt for such purposes? Yes, it's harsh on the perpetrator, but I don't believe we owe them forgiveness when there are still victims in their vicinity. I haven't heard anything from them encouraging forgiveness and given the patriarchal hierarchy we can't know if their plea would be genuine. I don't care if they're religious, child molestation is a crime against humanity.

originally posted by: hearows
a reply to: Metallicus

I think the trouble is that the organization is one devoted to "moral policing". And, yes, molestation of children is generally unforgivable and certainly unsuitable for a moral barometer. People give this group money, do they not? They're tax exempt for such purposes? Yes, it's harsh on the perpetrator, but I don't believe we owe them forgiveness when there are still victims in their vicinity. I haven't heard anything from them encouraging forgiveness and given the patriarchal hierarchy we can't know if their plea would be genuine. I don't care if they're religious, child molestation is a crime against humanity.

The organization forced him out, so it seems that they did police their own.


He was also a child at the time, which makes this a bit more complicated than, say the ROman Polanski case where it was rape of a 13 year old girl by a 43 year old man. OTOH, Polanski is still the darling of the glitterati, which should be very troubling.

originally posted by: NavyDoc
The organization forced him out, so it seems that they did police their own.

Where did you read that? Because he says he resigned.

He was also a child at the time

No, he was 14-15 - He knew better. He sneaked into their bedrooms at night and FORCIBLY fondled them. I think it's sick that people are making excuses for this pervert. I wouldn't trust him if I were his wife. She'd better watch her baby girls.

originally posted by: Benevolent Heretic

originally posted by: NavyDoc
The organization forced him out, so it seems that they did police their own.

Where did you read that? Because he says he resigned.

He was also a child at the time

No, he was 14-15 - He knew better. He sneaked into their bedrooms at night and FORCIBLY fondled them. I think it's sick that people are making excuses for this pervert. I wouldn't trust him if I were his wife. She'd better watch her baby girls.

You've never seen someone "resign" after a scandal? He was very likely told to resign.

I didn't make any excuses.

14 is still a child.

Yes, his wife better watch her daughters closely because in all likelyhood he will re-offend.

originally posted by: NavyDoc
You've never seen someone "resign" after a scandal? He was very likely told to resign.

I asked where you read that, because you stated, "The organization forced him out" as if it's a fact. But it's just speculation on your part, I see.

Yes, his wife better watch her daughters closely because in all likelyhood he will re-offend.

So, you think he will re-offend, causing misery, guilt, shame and a life of horror for some little girl, yet you make excuses for him...

a reply to: mOjOm

Immediate action was taken to slip this all under the carpet but it got out anyway because some details were written down, placed inside a book which was later lent out to someone who read it and reported it which launched an investigation.

I'm curious if "they" did this on purpose?

originally posted by: Benevolent Heretic

originally posted by: NavyDoc
You've never seen someone "resign" after a scandal? He was very likely told to resign.

I asked where you read that, because you stated, "The organization forced him out" as if it's a fact. But it's just speculation on your part, I see.

Yes, his wife better watch her daughters closely because in all likelyhood he will re-offend.

So, you think he will re-offend, causing misery, guilt, shame and a life of horror for some little girl, yet you make excuses for him...

I didn't make a single excuse for him. In fact, I've pointed out in both threads that the family dynamic and repressive nature of their religious fanaticism may have been contributing factors. Of course this sort of thing happens in all walks of life and in all political spectrum, but you can't raise someone in an abnormal environment and expect them to be normal.

originally posted by: NavyDoc
I didn't make a single excuse for him.

OK. Sorry. I read a few of your posts in this thread as making excuses for him. And this sounds like an excuse, too...

you can't raise someone in an abnormal environment and expect them to be normal.

You absolutely can expect them to be normal! I was raised in a highly religious (fire and brimstone, spare the rod and spoil the child) family and I never molested anyone. I'm actually fine. I don't know if most would call me 'normal" but I have strong moral principles.

originally posted by: Benevolent Heretic

originally posted by: NavyDoc
I didn't make a single excuse for him.

OK. Sorry. I read a few of your posts in this thread as making excuses for him. And this sounds like an excuse, too...

you can't raise someone in an abnormal environment and expect them to be normal.

You absolutely can expect them to be normal! I was raised in a highly religious (fire and brimstone, spare the rod and spoil the child) family and I never molested anyone. I'm actually fine. I don't know if most would call me 'normal" but I have strong moral principles.

That was not an excuse. It was a criticism of how he was raised. Of course, not one size fits all, but if one raises their children poorly, then one should not be surprised if they act poorly. IMHO, it is possible that the repression and isolation of their children contributed to this problem in their child. The Duggars, particularly the father, have these rather creepy rules concerning interpersonal relationships and contact between the sexes. Thus, I'm not surprised that their son was "creepy." They failed in their upbringing and they failed by not getting him real treatment when the problem was discovered.

You were raised in a fire and brimstone family, but I doubt to the extent of the Duggars. You also were molested (and I'm very sorry to hear that--it should happen to no one) and you once said that at one time you were a prostitute. One could suggest that those are related. Many sex workers have history of abuse and/or repression in their past.

I'm not saying that makes you immoral--as we've discussed previously, I think prostitution should be legal--just that early developmental events do affect behavior.

This was more than just being raised in a strict religious environment.

These kids were sent for indoctrination to a cult leader who preached the total submission of women while systematically exploiting young girls sexually and emotionally.

This isn't a criticism of Christianity. This family is part of a cult that most Christians in America do not agree with.

At 14 you know the difference between right and wrong. The fact that he would prey on his siblings when they were sleeping shows forethought and planning to his actions, making them even more heinous and devious. His actions showed signs of escalation and it took one sister going to their father twice before anything was done.