Tim Funk of the Observer had an interesting piece yesterday about our old friend Franklin Graham. There were three particularly revealing glimpses at Franklin G’s current mindset in the story.
First, Graham, who has palled around with his favorite politician Sarah Palin, showed the depth of his political knowledge when he said that U.S. Rep. Michelle “No studies show that carbon dioxide is harmful” Bachmann is “a class act (who) understands the problems we’re facing” — and that was in the context of people he could support in a presidential race.
Graham also complained that he is too often criticized “just because I happen to have opinions about our country.” Frank, it’s not the fact that you have opinions that’s a problem — it’s the shallow, knee-jerk, completely predictable, testy, dullard nature of those opinions that displeases a lot of folks. Plus, your situation’s not so pitiful, in any case; be glad that the press even asks you for your opinion. Believe me, if you weren’t Billy Graham’s son, no one would bother, so, ahem, maybe count your blessings.
And finally, Graham summed up his views and personality, as well as his pastoral skills, when Tim Funk asked him if he’s ever thought of “following his father’s late-in-life advice for clergy to steer clear of politics.” Frank’s answer? “First of all, I’m not my father.” Truer words were never spoken.
This article appears in May 17-23, 2011.
Frank Graham? Frank Graham was Franklin Graham’s grandfather who owned a dairy farm on Park Road from the 1920s to the 1960s. No one has ever called Franklin Graham “Frank” except John Groom trying to sound in the know.
Of everything Mr. Grooms said about him the only thing you had an issue with was the shortening of his first name.