For about the last 6-8 weeks, I've been investigating a tip I received about Virgil Goode. At first, it seemed highly improbable, but upon examining the incontrovertible evidence, it proved true. I brought Mike Rogers of BlogActive.com aboard, and we put the pieces together the best we could. Now the story is going national.
I made a short video that sets forth the basic facts:
(a lot more on the flip)
This morning, I decided that I had pursued the story to my limits. After all, I'm a blogger, not a journalist. Virgil Goode isn't going to return my calls. Neither is Linwood Duncan.
So I conducted a press conference. Hopefully the story will move from here - two television stations, several print reports and (I think) at least 2 radio reporters attended the press conference I held outside Virgil Goode's Charlottesville office.
Here are the basic facts and the questions that I feel need to be answered:
What is known:
• In 2003, the unrated film Eden’s Curve premiered
• The movie is replete with scenes depicting drug use and bi- and homosexual sex
• Eden’s Curve was written and produced by Jerry Meadors
• Jerry Meadors is also the artistic and managing director of the North Theater in Danville, VA
• Linwood Duncan, Virgil Goode’s press secretary, has a speaking role in the film.
• Linwood Duncan also sits on the Board of the North Theater
• Also in 2003, Virgil Goode inserted a $150,000 earmark for the North Theater into the 2004 appropriations bill for the Dept. of Veterans Affairs
http://www.congress.gov/...
• Virgil Goode, his wife Lucy, and Linwood Duncan were all thanked in the film’s credits
Outstanding Questions:
• What is the nature of the personal relationships between Jerry Meadors, Linwood Duncan and Virgil Goode
• How was the $150,000 earmark used? Are there records available?
• What did the earmark have to do with Linwood Duncan’s first Hollywood break?
• What other gay and lesbian films has Virgil Goode supported?
• Given Virgil’s history of anti-gay and lesbian rhetoric, how does he square his support of this film with his record?
To my surprise, when I returned home after the press conference, the Danville Register and Bee had published this story!
Some excerpts:
Goode Linked to Gay Movie
Though he actively opposes any rights for homosexuals, a film exploring homosexuality, thanks Congressman Virgil Goode in the credits.
A 2003 film that has been described as a gay coming of age story at a posh Virginia college involves Goode’s press secretary Linwood Duncan and Jerry Meadors, director of a project Goode has supported with Federal dollars in the past. In the closing credits, the film thanks Goode himself.
Eden’s Curve according to the internet movie database, tells the story of a boy who goes to college, becomes involved sexual relationship with his male roommate and his roommate’s girlfriend, and a relationship with his male poetry professor. The film’s trailer features homosexual sex scenes and a violent beating.
Meadors co-wrote and produced the film. Congressman Goode’s press secretary Linwood Duncan has a minor role as the dean of the college, and Goode himself is thanked in the credits. A number of other Danville residents are listed in the cast and credits.
...
In 2003, the same year the movie was produced, Congressman Goode earmarked $150,000 Federal taxpayer dollars to Danville’s North Theater, where Meadors serves as artistic director.
Clearly, a lot of questions remain to be answered.
Goode has projected a wholesome image of family values that does not include within its definition anything at all to do with homosexuality. His reputation as a plain-speaking straight-shooting Southern Gentleman is clearly in jeopardy. I'm not sure what effect this will have on his constituency, but I hope he comes forth with clear and convincing answers sooner rather than later.