GLAAD's original mission was certainly admirable. Gays and lesbians, who had long endured the cold shoulder of a disapproving society, finally had an organization that would speak out on their behalf and fight injustice. But, like so many well-meaning organizations, GLAAD fell victim to the process described by Lord Acton. Seemingly overnight, it went from character building to character assassination. Fattened up with newfound power, it chose not to debate those with differing opinions but to try to destroy them. For political scientists, this is not a revelation. But for those of us who have emotional capital invested in the ideal of progressive thought and action, the attack on Dr. Laura Schlessinger should be a serious wake-up call.