Over the last couple days, I’ve been thinking about Michael Delgiorno’s great egress from the Tulsa waves. I have seen online forums where people have completely decimated MDG and everything about him. There are some positive remarks, too. Comments range from “Good riddance!” to “I hate to see him go,” to “He’s the antichrist,” to “A pox on his house,” to “He is a hypocrite unworthy of our trust,” to “Mornings will never be the same without him.” What one rarely sees is a lukewarm opinion on Delgiorno. By his detractors’ sheer vitriol and rage, it is plain to see that MDG was a success at what he did, which was of course, passionately espousing his (and a large number of average folks’) views and opinions on the culture in which we all find ourselves.

In a day and age when the vast majority of radio programming is a satellite feed of national issues (which we do need), it was nice to turn on the radio and hear a local guy who cared about local issues talk about things we locals care about. It was nice to hear him broadcast from a vacant lot that somehow managed to vote in an election. It was nice to hear him rant and rave about things that, when we’re really honest with ourselves, make us all rant and rave, too. And I have heard many detractors over the last few year who hate MDG for various reasons. In one case in particuler, I know of one violently vociferous MDG critic who launched a series of anonymous online attacks against MDG simply because MDG refused to accept this person’s worldview and counsel. It was shameful and self-serving, but the safety and anonymity of online forums made him feel brave and unaccountable for his comments.

And that leads to another reason MDG is so hated. It just burns some folks up that MDG has the huge microphone he does. When it comes right down to it, most people just want a soapbox. And lots of people think that because they are Christians and Michael is a vocal Christian, he owes them a share of his soapbox for advancing their particular project, calling, and/or inclinations. It’s just not possible, even in three hours a day, to be all things to all people–even other Christians. And, since some folks think Micahel won’t share his microphone like a good boy, he must be the devil. Talk about a breakdown in logic!

MDG may not have always been right, and from what I have heard him say lately, he plainly admits he makes mistakes and errors of judgment. Who amongst us doesn’t? Very few average folks have any clue as to the talent and skill it takes to be a successful radio personality–especially when it’s not some act. Most people who so violently attack MDG could not successfully fill 30 seconds of airtime, much less 3 hours a day. I have a radio background; I know. Thirty seconds is an eternity. One has to be good to fill time successfully. Michael is a pro; I, for one, have no problem with him being rewarded well for it. Here’s hoping we will all be rewarded well for what we do well.

And so, as MDG departs for what is next for him, let me say, from one radio listener in Claremore, I appreciate the work and effort MDG has put into KFAQ and Tulsa. I am sorry that some people are so immature and wicked as to threaten to hurt a man and/or his family over mere words that are said. We in the listening audience are all better off for having had this passionate, flawed, Christian man broadcasting to us and for us for the past 17 years, especially the last 5. If not for MDG’s pursuit of truth, we would not know about things like the insipid web of filthy lucre that connected KRMG, the Erlings, the Lortons, the Whirled, Great Plains, etc. If not for a mission called KFAQ, the good ole boy network would still be operating unencumbered. In short, we’re better off for having known you, Michael. You may be leaving Tulsa with just a handful of real friends to call yours, but you are also leaving with a vast multitude who appreciate and respect your work and sacrifice. As usual, the majority has probably been pretty silent while the critics have raged and fumed.

Radio has the ability to enlighten and inform in a way no other medium really can. In good hands, radio can transform communities and societies. The transformation has begun, and I believe, will continue in the hands of Freeman and Medlock. It should surprise none of us that those who so shrilly called for MDG’s departure are none too pleased that Chris Medlock will be joining the airwaves come Monday. Some poor, deluded commentor on meeciteewurkor’s site is even worried about Medlock because he or she’s not sure what kind of a deal Medlock will cut and with whom. Paranoia of that order should really be attended by a qualified professional.

Medlock has proved to be tough, professional, eloquent, fair, and insightful. Let’s give him a shot before we decide he’s horrible at the job. At the very least, MDG’s critic’s ought to be happy that they will finally get to hear Gwen finish a sentence. Lighten up, take a breath, and listen. It will be fun, and we all might learn something.

Sure, it’s only radio. But look how passionate we all are about it. It’s a good thing. Godspeed Michael and family. Welcome to the helm, Freeman and Medlock. Lead on!