Friday, November 29, 2024

The False Allegations Against Tim Ballard

By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS

Tim Ballard, founder of Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.), has become a target of relentless attacks and baseless allegations. These claims, ranging from accusations of personal misconduct to vague insinuations of impropriety in his work, have been amplified by mainstream outlets and leftist commentators. Yet, notably absent from these accusations is credible evidence or due process. What we are witnessing is a coordinated attempt to destroy the character of a man whose life’s mission has been to combat one of the darkest evils of our time: child exploitation and trafficking.

A Familiar Playbook of Slander

The attacks against Tim Ballard remind me of the tactics I have personally endured. As someone who once held leadership positions in prominent Muslim organizations such as CAIR-Columbus and the Muslim Forum of Utah, I faced countless baseless accusations and misrepresentations. These slanderous campaigns were not rooted in truth but in an effort to discredit my mission and silence my voice. It wasn’t until I left Islam, embraced Christianity, and adopted conservative values that I fully recognized the extent of these tactics.

For Ballard, his mission to rescue children from the clutches of traffickers poses a threat to entrenched interests. Leftist commentators and certain media outlets seem more interested in tearing him down than addressing the global epidemic of child trafficking. Why? Because his work challenges their narrative and exposes uncomfortable truths about the failure of governments and international institutions to address this crisis effectively.

No Conviction, No Evidence

Despite the gravity of the allegations against him, Tim Ballard has not been convicted of any crime. The accusations remain unproven, yet the leftist media acts as judge, jury, and executioner. This rush to condemn Ballard without evidence is emblematic of a broader trend in our society: the weaponization of allegations to destroy those who threaten leftist ideologies and agendas.

The absence of a fair trial or credible evidence against Ballard has not deterred his critics. Instead, they rely on hearsay, anonymous sources, and vague insinuations to craft a narrative of guilt. This approach undermines the principles of justice and due process that are foundational to a free society.

A Pattern of Attacks on Good Men

This pattern of character assassination is not unique to Tim Ballard. We’ve seen it before with other prominent conservatives, Christian leaders, and those who dare to challenge the progressive orthodoxy. From Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his Supreme Court confirmation hearings to countless others in public life, the left employs smear campaigns to derail those who stand for truth, justice, and morality.

As an Iranian-American who has experienced persecution for my beliefs—both under Islamic rule in Iran and within the progressive left in the United States—I recognize these attacks for what they are: an attempt to silence those who defend traditional values and moral principles.

The Real Issue: Child Exploitation and Trafficking

What makes the attacks on Tim Ballard particularly egregious is the distraction they create from the real issue: the epidemic of child exploitation and trafficking. Ballard has dedicated his life to rescuing children from unimaginable horrors. According to the International Labour Organization, an estimated 1.7 million children are victims of commercial sexual exploitation globally. Instead of supporting efforts to combat this atrocity, Ballard’s critics focus on tearing him down.

This misplaced outrage is a betrayal of the victims who depend on organizations like O.U.R. for rescue and rehabilitation. It reveals a disturbing prioritization of political agendas over the safety and dignity of vulnerable children.

Standing for Truth

As a Christian conservative, I am compelled to stand with Tim Ballard and others who are unfairly targeted for their courage and convictions. These attacks are not just about discrediting one man—they are part of a larger spiritual and cultural battle. The left wants to destroy individuals like Ballard because his work shines a light on the evils they would rather keep hidden.

In my own journey from Islam to Christianity, from socialism to conservatism, I have come to understand that standing for truth often comes at a great cost. But it is a cost worth bearing, for the sake of the children, for the sake of justice, and for the sake of preserving our moral foundations.


Citations

  1. International Labour Organization. “Global Estimates of Modern Slavery: Forced Labour and Forced Marriage.” September 2022. https://www.ilo.org
  2. Operation Underground Railroad. “Our Mission.” https://ourrescue.org
  3. BBC News. “Who Is Tim Ballard, Founder of Operation Underground Railroad?” September 2023. https://www.bbc.com
  4. The Daily Wire. “Why the Left Hates Tim Ballard.” October 2023. https://www.dailywire.com

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