A BLOG BY ALAN CHAMBERS

Nominee Miers & 'Exodus'

Picture this, me sitting in my office yesterday morning at 7:30am when all of a sudden my wife, Leslie, calls to not only inform me that President Bush has done what the AP reported he would do (nominate Harriet Miers), but also listed that his nominee has volunteered for 'Exodus Ministries'.  Leslie and I laughed and she said, "Get ready for the phone to start ringing off the hook."

Leslie was right.  Every major and minor, local and national, media outlet known to man called us.  Not to mention many of our friends on Capital Hill, other pro-family groups and our own constituents at Exodus International.

It was an enormous encouragement to know that so many people knew of Exodus International and that their first thought was of us.  Whether their respective opinion of Exodus International is positive or negative, at least people knew of our existence. In fact we even got honorable mention in the noon time White House Briefing.

One friend on Capital Hill said, "At least we now know the press’ lack of reporting on the “ex-gay” community is willful resistance and not just lack of knowledge whatsoever." 

So, if you are still sitting on the edge of your seat wondering if future Justice Harriet Miers did actually volunteer for Exodus International...she did not.  You can read our statement here.  Though, we would welcome her involvement.

Harriet Miers

As were so many from all sides of the political spectrum, my reaction to President Bush's newest Supreme Court nominee, Harriet Miers, was mixed.

From the moment the AP broke the story yesterday morning, I felt disapointed that someone well known like Janice Rogers Brown or even someone pleasantly surprising like Florida Senator Mel Martinez weren't picked to replace retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.

It isn't that I think Ms. Miers to be unqualified or liberal on important moral issues, but rather that she is virtually unknown and hasn't ever given more than a hint of leaning one way or the other on the issues that will dominate the time of this next court.

Much wiser friends have had mixed reactions to the nomination, as well.  Two of my most trusted political (unbeknownst to them) mentors offered differing, but compatible, words of wisdom yesterday.

In Gary Bauer's End of Day, he made clear his anger over the fact that we cannot get a nominee who has clearly stated their pro-family convictions publicly and decisively.  With so many pro-family wins, the biggest being both of George W. Bush's bids for the White House, why can't we get a nominee with a clear view?  Apparently, Americans have shown that they are decidedly pro family.  Frankly, I share Gary's frustration.  Will a real leader please stand up?

On the other hand, I completely understand why my friend, Tony Perkins, President of the Family Research Council, encouraged conservative Americans to 'wait and see'.  I don't think we have any other choice at this point. Too, Ms. Miers is a shew in and in a matter of weeks will ascend to the highest court in the land.  You never know, we might be very pleasantly surprised by Ms. Miers.  She is a conservative Christian, supporter of MIssions and one of George W. Bush's closest friends.  I trust the President--I can't wait to be reassured.