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Franklin Graham Is Taking Down His N.Y. Hospital, but Not Going Quietly Franklin Graham Is Taking Down His N.Y. Hospital, but Not Going Quietly
(6 days later)
The last patients have been discharged from the Central Park field hospital run by Samaritan’s Purse, the evangelical organization led by the Rev. Franklin Graham. Its white tents will soon be dismantled and sent to new makeshift coronavirus wards as far away as Ecuador and Alaska.The last patients have been discharged from the Central Park field hospital run by Samaritan’s Purse, the evangelical organization led by the Rev. Franklin Graham. Its white tents will soon be dismantled and sent to new makeshift coronavirus wards as far away as Ecuador and Alaska.
Doctors and nurses from Samaritan’s Purse treated more than 300 New Yorkers after Mount Sinai Health System invited the group to the city at the height of the pandemic, but its work has been dogged by controversy since it began.Doctors and nurses from Samaritan’s Purse treated more than 300 New Yorkers after Mount Sinai Health System invited the group to the city at the height of the pandemic, but its work has been dogged by controversy since it began.
In an interview on Thursday amid empty tents, Mr. Graham said the decision to leave New York had been motivated by falling infection numbers, not by politics. But he expressed pique at his critics, who he said had been “a distraction” from the work of saving lives.In an interview on Thursday amid empty tents, Mr. Graham said the decision to leave New York had been motivated by falling infection numbers, not by politics. But he expressed pique at his critics, who he said had been “a distraction” from the work of saving lives.
The presence of Samaritan’s Purse in one of the country’s most liberal cities kindled a culture war in New York’s coronavirus response, drawing criticism from elected officials, religious leaders and L.G.B.T. groups unnerved by Mr. Graham’s past statements on Islam and gay issues, as well as by a requirement that the organization’s employees be Christians who oppose same-sex marriage.The presence of Samaritan’s Purse in one of the country’s most liberal cities kindled a culture war in New York’s coronavirus response, drawing criticism from elected officials, religious leaders and L.G.B.T. groups unnerved by Mr. Graham’s past statements on Islam and gay issues, as well as by a requirement that the organization’s employees be Christians who oppose same-sex marriage.
Critics have included members of the Episcopal clergy, whose objections to the group’s position on gay issues and non-Christian faiths helped scrap a proposed field hospital inside the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, and the speaker of the City Council, Corey Johnson. He described Mr. Graham on Twitter as “notoriously bigoted” and said the group’s “continued presence here is an affront to our values of inclusion.”Critics have included members of the Episcopal clergy, whose objections to the group’s position on gay issues and non-Christian faiths helped scrap a proposed field hospital inside the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, and the speaker of the City Council, Corey Johnson. He described Mr. Graham on Twitter as “notoriously bigoted” and said the group’s “continued presence here is an affront to our values of inclusion.”
Mr. Graham disputed Mr. Johnson’s sentiments.Mr. Graham disputed Mr. Johnson’s sentiments.
“New York is — how many million people live here?” Mr. Graham said. “There’s not one set of values that represents nine million people. I think that’s just ludicrous to me even make a statement like that.”“New York is — how many million people live here?” Mr. Graham said. “There’s not one set of values that represents nine million people. I think that’s just ludicrous to me even make a statement like that.”
Mr. Graham, 67, said he had piloted one of the organization’s Dassault Falcon planes to Teterboro Airport in New Jersey from North Carolina early Thursday morning to thank staff members and meet Mount Sinai officials.Mr. Graham, 67, said he had piloted one of the organization’s Dassault Falcon planes to Teterboro Airport in New Jersey from North Carolina early Thursday morning to thank staff members and meet Mount Sinai officials.
The son of Billy Graham, and one of the leading figures in evangelical Christianity, Mr. Graham said that New Yorkers and conservative Evangelical Christians shared many values, including “our love of freedom, our love of country, our love of God.”The son of Billy Graham, and one of the leading figures in evangelical Christianity, Mr. Graham said that New Yorkers and conservative Evangelical Christians shared many values, including “our love of freedom, our love of country, our love of God.”
Much of the criticism of Samaritan’s Purse stems from the group’s requirement that employees and volunteers sign a statement of faith affirming their belief in Jesus Christ and their view that “marriage is exclusively the union of one genetic male and one genetic female.”Much of the criticism of Samaritan’s Purse stems from the group’s requirement that employees and volunteers sign a statement of faith affirming their belief in Jesus Christ and their view that “marriage is exclusively the union of one genetic male and one genetic female.”
Mr. Graham defended that requirement on Thursday, saying it was important to ensure that “our work and our presence is united.”Mr. Graham defended that requirement on Thursday, saying it was important to ensure that “our work and our presence is united.”
Bishop Andrew M.L. Dietsche of the Episcopal Diocese of New York said that that attitude was a “key” reason the plan to set up a field hospital inside the Cathedral of St. John the Divine had been shelved last month.Bishop Andrew M.L. Dietsche of the Episcopal Diocese of New York said that that attitude was a “key” reason the plan to set up a field hospital inside the Cathedral of St. John the Divine had been shelved last month.
He said Mr. Graham espouses “an exclusionary view and a very narrow view of what constitutes being a Christian.”He said Mr. Graham espouses “an exclusionary view and a very narrow view of what constitutes being a Christian.”
The statement of faith would have made it impossible for non-Christians to work in the cathedral, he said. It would also have required Episcopalians to “repudiate all the good work that’s been done in the Diocese of New York around the full inclusion of gay and lesbian people.”The statement of faith would have made it impossible for non-Christians to work in the cathedral, he said. It would also have required Episcopalians to “repudiate all the good work that’s been done in the Diocese of New York around the full inclusion of gay and lesbian people.”
“Most of the members of my own churches in the Diocese of New York would not have been able to sign off on that creedal statement and would therefore not be invited or permitted to participate in that ministry inside their own cathedral,” the bishop said.“Most of the members of my own churches in the Diocese of New York would not have been able to sign off on that creedal statement and would therefore not be invited or permitted to participate in that ministry inside their own cathedral,” the bishop said.
On Friday afternoon, the City’s Commission on Human Rights closed an investigation into the hospital after finding no evidence it had discriminated against patients, according to its press secretary, Alicia McCauley.On Friday afternoon, the City’s Commission on Human Rights closed an investigation into the hospital after finding no evidence it had discriminated against patients, according to its press secretary, Alicia McCauley.
The field hospital opened on April 1 and received the vast majority of its patients from Mount Sinai’s hard-hit community hospital in Queens. Samaritan’s Purse personnel treated 333 patients in New York, 190 at the tent hospital and the rest inside two Mount Sinai hospitals, said Melissa Strickland, a spokeswoman.The field hospital opened on April 1 and received the vast majority of its patients from Mount Sinai’s hard-hit community hospital in Queens. Samaritan’s Purse personnel treated 333 patients in New York, 190 at the tent hospital and the rest inside two Mount Sinai hospitals, said Melissa Strickland, a spokeswoman.
Mr. Graham said that he had budgeted $1.8 million a month to run the hospital and that his organization’s request that its employees be exempted from state and local income taxes while working in New York City had been declined.Mr. Graham said that he had budgeted $1.8 million a month to run the hospital and that his organization’s request that its employees be exempted from state and local income taxes while working in New York City had been declined.
He said no workers at the field hospital had been infected by the coronavirus, which he attributed to safety measures the group adopted in treating disease outbreaks overseas, including Ebola. His employees are being asked to self-quarantine for 14 days when they return home.He said no workers at the field hospital had been infected by the coronavirus, which he attributed to safety measures the group adopted in treating disease outbreaks overseas, including Ebola. His employees are being asked to self-quarantine for 14 days when they return home.
He said Samaritan’s Purse had never denied care to anyone because of a difference of belief, overseas or in New York.He said Samaritan’s Purse had never denied care to anyone because of a difference of belief, overseas or in New York.
But some New Yorkers have been skeptical. The organization’s slogan, “Helping in Jesus’ name,” was on trucks outside the field hospital, and Mr. Graham delivered an Easter sermon on Fox News from the site.But some New Yorkers have been skeptical. The organization’s slogan, “Helping in Jesus’ name,” was on trucks outside the field hospital, and Mr. Graham delivered an Easter sermon on Fox News from the site.
Some have also expressed alarm about Mr. Graham’s past statements and political activities. He is a vocal supporter of President Trump, a role that has made some Evangelicals uncomfortable, and has a long history of negative remarks about L.G.B.T. people and Muslims.Some have also expressed alarm about Mr. Graham’s past statements and political activities. He is a vocal supporter of President Trump, a role that has made some Evangelicals uncomfortable, and has a long history of negative remarks about L.G.B.T. people and Muslims.
Mr. Graham, in a 2001 interview, described Islam as “a very evil and wicked religion.” Later, he falsely suggested that President Barack Obama was secretly a Muslim, fanning the “birther” conspiracy theory that asserted that Mr. Obama was not an American citizen.Mr. Graham, in a 2001 interview, described Islam as “a very evil and wicked religion.” Later, he falsely suggested that President Barack Obama was secretly a Muslim, fanning the “birther” conspiracy theory that asserted that Mr. Obama was not an American citizen.
He has compared same-sex marriage to polygamy and incest and opposed a bill banning anti-gay conversion therapy in 2017, calling homosexuality an “abomination.”He has compared same-sex marriage to polygamy and incest and opposed a bill banning anti-gay conversion therapy in 2017, calling homosexuality an “abomination.”
Ann Northrop, a member of the Reclaim Pride Coalition, which has organized protests of Samaritan’s Purse, said Mr. Graham’s group had made many L.G.B.T. New Yorkers feel “personally attacked and personally at risk.”Ann Northrop, a member of the Reclaim Pride Coalition, which has organized protests of Samaritan’s Purse, said Mr. Graham’s group had made many L.G.B.T. New Yorkers feel “personally attacked and personally at risk.”
“Just because they say that they wouldn’t recoil or try to proselytize you or start praying over you loudly about how Jesus will change you or save you, all of this comes to mind whether it is an actual possibility or not,” Ms. Northrop said.“Just because they say that they wouldn’t recoil or try to proselytize you or start praying over you loudly about how Jesus will change you or save you, all of this comes to mind whether it is an actual possibility or not,” Ms. Northrop said.
Mr. Graham said he held no ill will toward gay people.Mr. Graham said he held no ill will toward gay people.
“I would want the gay community to know that I’m not here condemning them at all,” he said. “Just because I don’t agree doesn’t mean I’m against them.”“I would want the gay community to know that I’m not here condemning them at all,” he said. “Just because I don’t agree doesn’t mean I’m against them.”
Jason Kaplan, a spokesman for Mount Sinai, said in a statement that Samaritan’s Purse had agreed to adhere to the hospital network’s anti-discrimination policies.Jason Kaplan, a spokesman for Mount Sinai, said in a statement that Samaritan’s Purse had agreed to adhere to the hospital network’s anti-discrimination policies.
Samaritan’s Purse provides both medical and spiritual aid to the sick, Mr. Graham said. Roughly 5 percent of its budget is spent on “direct evangelism,” such as printing materials or church-based programs, Ms. Strickland said. But she said it was difficult to separate medical and missionary activities because the group’s medical work was vital to spreading a message of Christ’s love.Samaritan’s Purse provides both medical and spiritual aid to the sick, Mr. Graham said. Roughly 5 percent of its budget is spent on “direct evangelism,” such as printing materials or church-based programs, Ms. Strickland said. But she said it was difficult to separate medical and missionary activities because the group’s medical work was vital to spreading a message of Christ’s love.
The organization’s website says that “the primary mission of Samaritan’s Purse is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”The organization’s website says that “the primary mission of Samaritan’s Purse is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
Spiritual aid might take the form of medical workers praying with patients, Mr. Graham said.Spiritual aid might take the form of medical workers praying with patients, Mr. Graham said.
“Of course you have these sick people that you’re trying to save,” he said. “Many of our nurses and doctors just quietly prayed for them. Sometimes they asked, ‘Do you want us to pray?’ Every one of them wanted prayer. There wasn’t anyone said, ‘No, don’t pray for me.’”“Of course you have these sick people that you’re trying to save,” he said. “Many of our nurses and doctors just quietly prayed for them. Sometimes they asked, ‘Do you want us to pray?’ Every one of them wanted prayer. There wasn’t anyone said, ‘No, don’t pray for me.’”
Updated June 16, 2020 Updated June 22, 2020
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
But Mr. Graham said his staff “never prayed for anybody that didn’t want it.”But Mr. Graham said his staff “never prayed for anybody that didn’t want it.”
“Excuse me, let me say that differently,” he said. “Our staff prays all day long. They would not force themselves on somebody and try to force our religion on somebody or what we believe. We don’t do that.”“Excuse me, let me say that differently,” he said. “Our staff prays all day long. They would not force themselves on somebody and try to force our religion on somebody or what we believe. We don’t do that.”
Mr. Graham’s critics have received their share of backlash. In an op-ed for The New York Post, Jonathan S. Tobin, the editor in chief of Jewish News Syndicate, said Mr. Johnson and other Democrats had demonstrated “ingratitude” to Samaritan’s Purse.Mr. Graham’s critics have received their share of backlash. In an op-ed for The New York Post, Jonathan S. Tobin, the editor in chief of Jewish News Syndicate, said Mr. Johnson and other Democrats had demonstrated “ingratitude” to Samaritan’s Purse.
“Rather than welcome the group’s unselfish sacrifice, our local bigs greeted it with suspicion and hostility, thus treating the pandemic as one more culture-war battle line, rather than an opportunity to unite across the old divides,” he wrote.“Rather than welcome the group’s unselfish sacrifice, our local bigs greeted it with suspicion and hostility, thus treating the pandemic as one more culture-war battle line, rather than an opportunity to unite across the old divides,” he wrote.
Mr. Graham said he thought most New Yorkers agreed with him on marriage, an assertion not borne out by polling data, which in 2017 showed 69 percent of the state supported same-sex marriage.Mr. Graham said he thought most New Yorkers agreed with him on marriage, an assertion not borne out by polling data, which in 2017 showed 69 percent of the state supported same-sex marriage.
“The vast majority of the people in the city believe that marriage is between a man and a woman,” he said, “but the majority would also say that if two men want to live together, that’s their business, or two women want to live together, that’s their business.”“The vast majority of the people in the city believe that marriage is between a man and a woman,” he said, “but the majority would also say that if two men want to live together, that’s their business, or two women want to live together, that’s their business.”
Mr. Johnson said Mr. Graham’s record was not an issue about which reasonable people could agree to disagree.Mr. Johnson said Mr. Graham’s record was not an issue about which reasonable people could agree to disagree.
“Civil rights and recognizing the goodness and intrinsic value of gay people and Muslim people, that’s not about a difference of opinion,” Mr. Johnson said.“Civil rights and recognizing the goodness and intrinsic value of gay people and Muslim people, that’s not about a difference of opinion,” Mr. Johnson said.
But the controversy did not affect the daily routine of the field hospital. Workers there said they had been warmly welcomed by New Yorkers, who sent food and gathered to cheer for them at 7 p.m.But the controversy did not affect the daily routine of the field hospital. Workers there said they had been warmly welcomed by New Yorkers, who sent food and gathered to cheer for them at 7 p.m.
“We have been so well loved here, truly,” said Jill Pike, 30, a nurse who traveled with her husband, Brendan, from Medford, Ore., to work in the hospital. The couple said their faith had led them to Samaritan’s Purse.“We have been so well loved here, truly,” said Jill Pike, 30, a nurse who traveled with her husband, Brendan, from Medford, Ore., to work in the hospital. The couple said their faith had led them to Samaritan’s Purse.
“We work here with people who all share a common sense of purpose,” said Mr. Pike, 28, who is also a nurse. “We are all here because Jesus died for us and for our sins, so we came here to lay down a small part of our lives to help others. How could we not? Giving sacrificial love is very important to us.”“We work here with people who all share a common sense of purpose,” said Mr. Pike, 28, who is also a nurse. “We are all here because Jesus died for us and for our sins, so we came here to lay down a small part of our lives to help others. How could we not? Giving sacrificial love is very important to us.”