Is Marcus Bachmann The New Ted Haggard?

"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. That's what's called the sinful nature."                          --Dr. Marcus Bachmann "Point Of View" Radio talk show 2010

First off, do you even know who this person is?  Well, for those of you who aren't yet paying attention to the GOP candidates for the 2012 presidential election, allow me to introduce you to candidate Michelle Bachmann's husband Marcus. He of the aforementioned comment. He was opining on homosexuality, thus the "barbarian" reference. Now, I shall save my opinions on THAT subject for a later post. For now, I'd like to analyze (I'm gonna ignore the easy pun here..) the essence of Dr. Bachmann's statement, as it relates to his wife's campaign AND certain allegations.

Recently, a Vermont-based advocacy group called Truth Wins Out sent a gay man to the clinic (undercover) to seek guidance from one of Dr. Bachmann's associates. The man, John Becker, told the therapist that he was struggling with attraction to the same sex, and that the attraction was exclusively homosexual. Becker said he was told the objective of the treatment was to end his urges completely.  This type of "counseling"  is known as reparative therapy, and is a process that has been repudiated by The American Psychological Association.  Dr. Bachmann has previously denied that Bachmann & Associates utilize the controversial therapy, but clearly the undercover session tells a different story.

Two things here: first, this entire scenario portends bad things for Michelle Bachmann, who has said the bulk of her family's income stems from this clinic. Now, no matter what you think of the social issue, bear this in mind... A recent Gallup Poll shows that 53% of Americans support legal gay marriage.  Surprisingly, 28% of Republicans support legal gay marriage, as well. Politically, Rep. Bachmann's stance could be quite problematic in the general election, should she make it that far. To say nothing of the fact that this clinic has received funding from the government (Medicare, Medicaid), so there's also a legal conflict.

Second, (and here's MY point) there seems to be something quite telling about Dr. Bachmann's homophobic obsession. Methinks he doth protest TOO MUCH!  Seriously, in my experience, anytime a person spouts constant vitriol on any subject, it tends to be a form of projection. In other words, they are attacking a characteristic that they loathe in themselves. Could it be possible that Marcus is hiding a sexual struggle of his own?  Read that quote again.  It seems rather PERSONAL, don't it?  I think Dr. Marcus is hiding something behind his wife, five children and 23 foster kids (all teenage girls, by the way).

Listen:  FAR be it from me to call someone out for possibly being a closeted homosexual. Lord knows I have had my sexuality questioned MANY times (I think it's the high cheekbones and the flowery language, but I digress...). But I DARE you to watch clips of the Bachmann's dancing on stage at various campaign stops and not raise an eyebrow (or clutch a pearl, depending on your comfort level!).

Listening to these incessant homophobic rants from the Bachmanns, I can't help but be reminded of Ted Haggard and Eddie Long. How they used to spit venom on the gay community. And we all remember how those stories both ferreted out (OK...I did that one on purpose...I can only be serious for so long!!). Only time will tell. What do YOU think?

Be Well...