Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments as follows:
On November 18, I wrote to Michael B. Keegan, president of People For the American Way (PFAW), challenging him to a debate. I did so in response to his challenge the day before to Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio: he invited DiMarzio to participate in a public forum on the issue of the Brooklyn Museum of Art’s “Hide/Seek” exhibition that features a vile video of ants running all over Jesus on the Cross. Bishop DiMarzio had asked that the video not be included in the exhibition. Because I led the charge against the video last year when it was shown at the Smithsonian—it was pulled after we put public pressure on the museum—I thought it only appropriate that Keegan debate me.
I closed my letter by saying the following: “Please be advised that I am in a win-win situation and you are in a lose-lose. If you say yes, you will lose the debate. If you say no, I will tell the entire world.”
Yesterday, in PFAW’S “Right Wing Watch” section, came the reply, written for Keegan by Josh Glasstetter. Here’s what was said:
“In fact, debating Donohue would be the lose-lose.” Got that right.
“Donohue is a press hound of the worst sort who feeds off contrived controversies.” Thanks to PFAW and their ilk, I don’t have to contrive anything (although it is true that I am a press hound of the worst sort).
“It would be a mistake to provide any more oxygen to Donohue’s one-man challenge.” One-man? How do they know I wouldn’t bring an army?
Here’s their most manly statement of all: “In another century, a guy like Donohue might have challenged us to a duel.” Might have?
Contact Miranda Blue, Communications Manager: media@pfaw.org
