'Bune dons conservative garb, adds editorial board.

Volunteer Hoosier considers the first editorial to emanate from the Tribune’s new editorial board in Tribune Stepping Out:

Let me first say I disagree with the conclusion and opinion expressed in the piece titled "Closing Silvercrest is right decision" under the heading "Our Opinion." That said, the editorial board tries to explain its conclusion, lays out their methodology for making a choice, and provides supporting facts and professional analysis.

Agree or disagree, today’s editorial is a radical departure from the timid and often irrational offerings of the past.

Other changes at the local newspaper are difficult to figure, but it’s still early.

Perhaps the ‘Bune’s newly minted board has been conducting its research with help from Mike Sodrel’s office and the Christian Academy journalism department, because during the past week, and with the stated rationale that, after all, most editorial cartoonists are “liberal,” the comic strip “Mallard Fillmore” started appearing on the editorial page.

It joins the now-weekly appearance in the Sunday Spectrum section of Dr. James Dobson’s “Christian advice in pediatric psychologist’s clothing” column for youngsters.

Here is supplementary reading for those interested in Dobson and the Focus on Family flam-flammery:

James Dobson: The religious right's new kingmaker, by Michael Crowley (Slate).

He's already leveraging his new power. When a thank-you call came from the White House, Dobson issued the staffer a blunt warning that Bush "needs to be more aggressive" about pressing the religious right's pro-life, anti-gay rights agenda, or it would "pay a price in four years."

James Dobson: Focusing on Himself, by Brian Elroy McKinley, a recovering fundamentalist whose web site is fascinating.

I could go on quoting James Dobson and other media who watch him and Focus on the Family. But the point is painfully clear. Dobson uses his position as a radio psychologist to present his untrained biblical interpretations as our spiritual, moral, and political guidelines. With the fervor of a prophet, Dobson calls us to action as if he had a mandate from God to do so. And by doing so, Dobson has set himself up as nothing less than a twentieth-century Pharisee, misleading millions of believers in the name of Righteousness and Morality.

What's next, Dave Ramsey and his "Household Finance for Steve Price" column?

Tips from Wal-Mart on how to cook Tyson chicken nuggets?

Grover Norquist on anarchy and the end of government?