In his May 2 column, author/activist Wayne Besen uncovers seemingly well-established, far-right political affiliations of exgay pundit Warren Throckmorton.
Besen’s column chronologically details the course of the Magellan Health Services controversy, in which an MHS advisory board dropped Throckmorton’s contract, then reversed its decision and reappointed Throckmorton:
1. Throckmorton is dropped from the board. He claims he was dropped because he supports freedom of choice for exgays seeking therapy. But he declines to substantiate his claim, and Magellan’s own explanation is vague.
2. Throckmorton contacts his friends Bob Knight of Concerned Women for America, Peter LaBarbera of the Illinois Family Institute, and Stephen Bennett of the American Family Association. Besen is accidentally cc’d on the correspondence, which depicts well-established ties among the trio.
3. A political uproar among religious-right media follows, and Magellan reappoints Throckmorton.
Says Besen:
By reinstating Throckmorton, Magellan signaled that the company would abandon sound science if badgered by right wing bullies. Magellan was correct the first time when their punitive actions declared Throckmorton uniquely unqualified and ill suited to offer unbiased advice to the Council.
This is getting a little silly. Let’s get something straight.
The issue isn’t Throckmorton. Throckmorton is nothing more than an instructor at a third rate religious college. He has gotten himself a gig with his “ex-gay” silliness. Anyone with a couch can set up a “therapy” practice. Big deal–actually, no big deal.
The issue is why would a major “insurer”–Magellan–in the US would have an insignificant instructor at a third rate college–religious, or otherwise–on one of its advisory panels. Why he would have been there in the first place? I’ve been involved in things like this, and the fact is that organizations normally want people who will give them a bit of credibility, and, more to the point, money, on committees like these. The question really is, what credibility or money did Magellan expect to acquire by having an instructor at a third rate college on one of its advisory boards, whose apparently only interest is in “ex-gay” silliness?
*fakes surprised expression*
Raj, I agree, your questions (and Besen’s concerns) about Magellan are the key issue here.
I’m simply not expecting Magellan — or Throckmorton — to address the issue satisfactorily.
What Besen was able to learn about Throckmorton, happened by a stroke of luck.
Similar leaks from Magellan may have to occur, in order for the issue to be addressed.
Mike I used to think you had some fair bones in your body. I am now doubting that.
I gave an exclusive interview to the Advocate and have talked to Gay365.com, the Southern Voice and a couple of other gay media outlets over the past several days. Do you not read these sources or is Wayne your only source of information? If you want to know what’s happening, read something besides RawstoryQ.
By the way, raj, I am a custodian at the school in question and I think it is probably a 4th or 5th rate trade school. You were flattering me much too much by elevating me to instructor. Next you will have me as a professor or the director of something at a highly selective private school.
By the way, raj, I am a custodian at the school in question…
This raises even more of a question. Why would an operation like Magellan hire a janitor for one of its advisory boards?
He’s jesting and so am I. But, this does raise a serious question as to the state of health care (such as it isn’t) in the US of A. We’ll be largely residing in Germany in a couple of years, so we won’t particularly care what happens over there.
What’s interesting is not that Throckmorton responded. What’s interesting is that Magellan never has. Why did they take a “janitor” for one of its advisory boards. They’ll never tell you.
Prof. Throckmorton,
Actually, I haven’t had time to monitor all news sources regularly, especially gay ones. I already read upward of 30 publications per day, mostly business-oriented.
I don’t waste my time with sites like RawStoryQ. I do try to monitor the same partisan antigay sources that Exodus and PFOX regrettably parrot, and which you (Prof. Throckmorton) seek out for publicity. If people have a negative impression of you, I think you may wish to consider the impressions that you create about yourself in the religious-right media.
You’re right about something, however — gay media are worth monitoring, and antigay organizations like Exodus do a disservice to themselves when their media blogs and press releases only parrot far-right and mainstream (heterosexual) sources in their coverage of gay issues. As I become more active in XGW after a long hiatus, I’ll put gay media back on my reading list.
Your references to 365gay and Advocate are much appreciated. I’ll check into them late tonight.
If you’re suggesting that I be careful not to parrot Mr. Besen, your criticism is well taken. I’ll do my best, as time permits.
So, query, how much does Throckmorton pull in–directly or indirectly from his “consultancy” from Magellan?
The “indirectly” will be the interesting point.
Interesting that Throckmorton did not refute anyone on this site. Like usual, he ducks questions, changes the topic or blames others.