An unpleasant chapter in North Dakota politics has consumed the information cycle for months. Former North Dakota State Sen. Ray Holmberg was not too long ago uncovered as a monster. He’s clearly a disgusting human being, and his legal actions are among the many most vile, grotesque and horrific I’ve ever seen. There are serial killers with extra scruples than this sicko. Fortunately, he’s in jail and certain will die there.
However that information has prompted extra ugliness within the type of political opportunism by failed politicians and reckless media voices. These hate retailers peddle guilt by affiliation with out substantive proof. Now, anybody who was a Holmberg acquaintance is one way or the other complicit in his unconscionable actions. I don’t know who knew what or when, and neither does anybody else, apart from the tireless investigators.
Regardless of a years-long effort by state and federal legislation enforcement, one thing the victims and all of us ought to have gratitude for, they haven’t charged any of these being tried within the media. Possibly that can change, however I’ll await the details relatively than utilizing the airwaves in a slanderous method.
The newest goal is Bruce Gjovig. His lengthy friendship with Ray Holmberg is well-known. He additionally cooperated with the legal investigation and testified beneath oath upon the request of the U.S. Legal professional’s Workplace. Gjovig stated in a press release that he “condemns Holmberg’s actions within the strongest phrases potential.” Whereas he did obtain disgusting emails from Holmberg, that isn’t in opposition to the legislation.
Gjovig has been a fixture on the campus of the College of North Dakota for many years. I inquired if there had ever been a single accusation investigated regarding inappropriate conduct or legal exercise. There was none.
Images emerged on the social media posts of numerous “consultants.” One instance that went viral included Holmberg, Gjovig and two different well-known politicos in Grand Forks, Jim Poolman and Nick Hacker. Whereas the photograph was almost a decade outdated and brought at a Rick Berg fundraiser, it was sufficient to implicate the “Homosexual Mafia,” stated Gary Emineth, former North Dakota GOP chairman, who joined the critics on my radio present.
Whereas Holmberg, Gjovig and Poolman are homosexual, Hacker isn’t. However hey, who cares about collateral harm if you find yourself scoring political factors?
I used to be raised within the Catholic religion and taught that homosexuality is a dysfunction, no completely different from adultery or intercourse outdoors of marriage; they’re thought of mortal sins. However Jesus additionally teaches us to go away judgment to him. And final time I checked, it’s not unlawful to stay a homosexual way of life. I keep in mind when Republicans championed particular person freedoms and Democrats preached that “love is love.” That’s all positive and dandy till you desperately attempt to enhance your relevance.
My recommendation for the tribe peddling this innuendo is to let legislation enforcement examine any alleged legal conduct and are available what could. Within the meantime, persist with your ideological variations and depart the smears to the keyboard warriors lurking within the shadows. These folks have households, neighbors and colleagues. Select grace as a substitute.
