Upon the news of Rosie O’Donnell agreeing to co-host ABC’s daytime TV program The View, Steve Boese’s blog A Tenable Belief observes:
Stephen Bennett touted his chance to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with Rosie O’Donnell at her blog almost a year ago. She posts mostly in verse, leaving things somewhat cryptic at times, naming Stephen “my born again straight man” …
To which Bennett responded a week later (June 4, 2005):
Ro – whether you like me or not, I care for you. I have no question you are a wonderful mother – and you and I are alike in so many ways.
Took Chloe and Blake today to the Seaport in CT to feed the ducks, buy them a little junk toy that will end up in the “Island of Misfit Toys” someday. Chloe (6) has 900 Barbie dolls – all with broken arms, afros and more. Blake (4) has every Bionicle and Power Ranger thing you can imagine.
I sincerely hope to be friends – not enemies. Opposites attract. Irene and I would love to come on the cruise – and pay the price. I truly have a heart and compassion for GLBT people — and I KNOW we’d hit it off with Kel’s parents. I just wonder if we would be welcome to cruise with you all. We’ve never been, and know we’d have a blast.
By the way, I saw Patty Lupone in Evita on Broadway 3 times and adored her. Her voice is beyond description. I’m getting the CD tomorrow.
Hope to hear from you – we’ve met many wonderful new friends from your blog – and we’d love to further our friendships. We are not gay – and I would hope that wouldn’t matter. Some of our best friends are gay and lesbian.
Sincerely in love,
Your “born again straight man” (your words)
StephenMuch love, peace and friendship…
As ATB notes, Bennett’s previous comments about O’Donnell have been far from “loving.” ATB gives Bennett the benefit of some doubt — waiting to see whether Bennett has mellowed or matured.
“Some of our best friends are gay or lesbian” reminds me of this. Wonder who these gay and lesbian friends are…
I think it’s pretty obvious that Bennett only sees Rosie O’Donnell as a means to draw attention to himself.
Rosie O’Donnell is tremendously popular, unlike Bennett. The few feuds or media spats she’s had (Donny Osmond, Scope mouthwash) turned into ratings bonanzas when she featured them on her show.
She is a comedian. She’s very funny and most often extremely charming. Very much like Ellen De Generes is.
Bennett might be kissing up to her, but he’s not the sort of person who is attractive himself.
He’s not among circles that know him or care about what he says.
The entertainment industry is funny that way: it’s somewhat liberal in certain parts of it, and Bennett isn’t liberal.
He doesn’t make good entertainment, he doesn’t know how to conduct himself in a dissenting forum. Repartee….isn’t his strong suit.
Rosie, has also done what Bennett hasn’t. ADOPTED children who badly needed a home.
Rosie, and her gay brother, are from a huge Catholic family.
She has demonstrated what LOVING family values mean-acceptance, support and fostering talent and other children, who are not your own blood.
Her love for children is WAY ABOVE reproach and she used her money, influence and fame to help MILLIONS of young people.
The ex gay movement in all hasn’t accomplished what a single Rosie O’Donnell has.
It’s all about TALENT. And Bennett, simply ain’t got it.
Stephen Bennett just seems to give off this oily dishonest used-car salesman feel.
He asks Rosie O’Donnell to accept him as a “straight man” but he’s on the record on his radio show encouraging parents to reject their gay kids partners. So its ok to have gay friends, but its not ok to be friendly with your kid’s partner? I guess Stephen is all about Family.
“I truly have a heart and compassion for GLBT people — and I KNOW we’d hit it off with Kel’s parents.”
For those who don’t know, Kel’s parents are anti-gay and are hostile to Rosie’s and Kel’s relationship.
In other words, Stephen is saying “I’d love to go on a cruise with you and try to break up your marriage”. Basically, a very very nasty statement coated in sugar and labeled “a heart for LGBT people”.
Brett said:
I think it’s pretty obvious that Bennett only sees Rosie O’Donnell as a means to draw attention to himself.
This is exactly what came to mind as I read this. It sounds like someone who is trying to worm their way into the lime light of a celebrity – and obviously so. Gives me the creeps.
SB has pulled enough garbage that I have a hard time believing what he says at all.
David
Tim, Bennett is just jealous.
Rosie’s wife is prettier than his is.
…the tongue can no man tame; it is a restless evil, it is full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we the Lord and Father; and therewith curse we men, who are made after the likeness of God…Who is wise and understanding among you? let him show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom…..the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without variance, without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for them that make peace. James 3: 8-9; 13; 17-18 (American Standard Version)
Autumn:
Perhaps you could try an intelligible post?
Perhaps use your own thoughts and words, instead of hiding behind an appeal to an authority which is too often used as a substitute for thinking?
Do you have a real point?
sharonb said:
Do you have a real point?
I think if you check the links in her post and the one in her name you might understand better. She seems to be chastising SB in unison with this post, while providing a scriptural basis for it. At least that is what I found, I could be wrong.
It’s not the most thoroughly explained post I have seen, but I don’t see that she is hiding behind anything.
David
Why would Rosie want Mr. Bennett on her cruise? Is there really any outlet to pedal ex-gay merchandise on a gay family cruise? Probably not.
“We are gay – and I would hope that wouldn’t matter.”
Edit mine, of course. It’s sad that Stephen Bennett has to try so hard to convince everyone around him that he is straight. I mean even those of us that would like to give him (and others like him) the benefit of the doubt aren’t impressed. If only it was as simple as changing a few words around, Stevie.