WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND
By Scott Hennen
Host of “What’s On Your Mind?” Radio Show
heard on the Flag Family Network including KTGO 1090AM in Watford City, Williston and Tioga, North Dakota
An ugly chapter in North Dakota politics has consumed the news cycle for months. Former North Dakota State Senator Ray Holmberg was recently exposed as a monster. He is obviously a disgusting human being and his criminal actions are among the most vile, grotesque and horrific I have ever seen. There are serial killers with more scruples than this sicko. Thankfully he is in jail and likely will die there.
But that news has prompted more ugliness in the form of political opportunism by failed politicians and reckless media voices. These hate merchants peddle guilt by association without substantive proof. Now anyone who was a Holmberg acquaintance is somehow complicit in his unconscionable actions. I don’t know who knew what or when and neither does anyone else, other than the tireless investigators. Despite a years-long effort by state and federal law enforcement, something the victims and all of us should have gratitude for, they have not charged any of those being tried in the media. Maybe that will change but I’ll await the facts rather than using the airwaves in a slanderous manner.
The latest target is Bruce Gjovig. His long friendship with Ray Holmberg is well known. He also cooperated with the criminal investigation and testified under oath upon the request of the US Attorney’s office. Gjovig said in a statement that he “condemns Holmberg’s activities in the strongest terms possible.” While he did receive disgusting emails from Holmberg, that isn’t against the law.
Gjovig has been a fixture on the campus of the University of North Dakota for decades. I inquired if there had ever been a single accusation investigated concerning inappropriate behavior or criminal activity. There has been none.
Photos emerged on the social media posts of countless “experts.” One example that went viral included Holmberg, Gjovig and 2 other well known politicos in Grand Forks, Jim Poolman and Nick Hacker. While the photo was nearly a decade old and taken at a Rick Berg fundraiser, it was enough to implicate the “Gay Mafia” said Gary Emineth, former N.D. GOP Chairman who joined the critics on my radio show. While Holmberg, Gjovig and Poolman are gay, Nick Hacker isn’t. But hey, who cares about collateral damage when you are scoring political points?
I was raised in the Catholic faith and taught that homosexuality is a disorder, no different from adultery or sex outside of marriage, they are considered mortal sins. But Jesus also teaches us to leave judgement to him. And last time I checked, it’s not illegal to live a gay lifestyle. I remember when Republicans championed individual freedoms and Democrats preached that “love is love.” That’s all fine and dandy until you desperately try and improve your relevance.
My advice for the tribe peddling this innuendo is to let law enforcement investigate any alleged criminal behavior and come what may. In the meantime, stick to your ideological differences and leave the smears to the keyboard warriors lurking in the shadows. These people have families, neighbors and co-workers. Choose grace instead.
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