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The hijacking of the Republican Party
Friday, October 06, 2006
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Many years ago, when I was a grade school librarian in a small town in Minnesota, a group of “concerned citizens” wanted me to remove from the shelves all the library books about dinosaurs.

I didn’t do it, of course. I thought, how could anyone not believe in dinosaurs? What did they think — that the curators at the Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. crafted all those dinosaur skeletons out of glue and papier-mâché?
This is just one small example of attempts by Christian fundamentalists to impose their narrow-minded viewpoint on others. That was just the beginning of the so-called “moral majority.” They have become much more forceful and determined since then.

Now they have huge organizations such as Focus on the Family; the Christian Coalition; the Traditional Values Coalition; the American Center for Law and Justice; the Christian Broadcasting Network; the Concerned Women of America; and the Family Research Council.
They seek to censor books in public schools, such as “The Diary of Anne Frank” and “The Wizard of Oz,” for promoting “unacceptable” religious beliefs. They would have us believe the American Civil Liberties Union is destroying our country as they work to protect and defend our constitutional rights.

Recently, the Family Research Council held a “Value Voters’ Summit” in Washington. The usual suspects were there courting the radical right vote, including George “Macaca” Allen, Bill Frist, Mitt Romney, and Sam Brownback. Anne Coulter, Newt Gingrich and Tony Snow, among others, were there to focus not on the endless war in Iraq, or Katrina, or terrorism, global jihad or genocide or the high cost of medical care. They didn’t dwell on poverty, health care, housing, hunger or corruption in Congress. Their message, in speech after speech, was the threat posed to America by two men getting married; that there is nothing more important to the survival of civilized society than preventing certain citizens from having families and raising children; and that homosexuality is the greatest threat to civilization.
Where were these holier-than-thou homophobic spokespersons for the radical religious right when Republican Rep. Mark Foley of Florida was hitting on young boys? Republican leaders in Congress knew for almost a year that Rep. Foley was making sexually explicit advances toward underage boys. What did they do? They allowed him to remain in charge of the Missing and Exploited Children’s Caucus. The GOP is now in typical damage control mode, calling for an investigation. Who knew what, and when did they know it? I call that hypocrisy and moral dishonesty.

What else did the speakers at the “Value Voters’ Summit” have to say? Tony Snow, the puppet president’s puppet, alluded to the “miracle” of Bush’s appearance at Ground Zero on 9/14. He spoke of Bush’s deep humility as he gives “glory to the Creator.” (This is reminiscent of Jerry Falwell telling his parishioners that a vote against Bush was a vote against God).

The religious right has powerful allies in Congress who are attempting to enact legislation which will give them even more influence over our political system and our lives. If enacted, this legislation would nullify the constitutionally protected separation between church and state. It would allow churches to participate directly in political campaigns, endorse or oppose political candidates, and distribute partisan voter guides while still maintaining their non-profit, tax exempt status.

The Republican Party has been hi-jacked by neo-con gurus who believe they have been called by God to save America from homosexuals and abortionists, who seek to impose their narrow view of morality on our Constitution, who are working hard to create a theocracy in our country, at the expense of our democracy, and who really believe that George Bush was sent to them by God. They would force us to live in their idea of an ideal nation, governed by their idea of true religion.

We must challenge religious bigotry and defend religious freedom. The radical religious right doesn’t speak for me, how about you?

(Thomas lives in Yountville.)
31 comment(s)

Paul wrote on Oct 6, 2006 7:57 AM:

" You can call yourself CommonSense all you like, but just like pretending dinosaurs don't exist, it won't make it true. Absolutely horrifying comments. "

Sandra Page wrote on Oct 6, 2006 8:09 AM:

" This is an issue in which I can agree with both Mr.Thomas and Mr Stan. We are a democracy. The religious right and the far left goonies both get to be heard and promote their views. Isn't America grand? What worries me more are the political parties and the manipulation of imformation for their own gains. Mr Foley is one of many examples of horrendous behavior of our elected officials towards staff and aides. BOTH democrats and republicans are guilty of this. It is laughable to me to see the affected "outrage" from the democratic party in this current go around. "

Mike wrote on Oct 6, 2006 8:30 AM:

" Solve it the American way...put all ideas on the table and let the people decide which ones they like. Both extremes of the spectrum try to control what the people want, but so long as the people have a choice, I'm confident the people will make the right decision. I still fear the far-left more than the far-right at this point. "

nonRepublican wrote on Oct 6, 2006 8:47 AM:

" I'm not a Republican and I am not a homophobic. I don't want homosexuals to receive state recognized marital status. In fact, I wish they would leave their preference and behavior in the closet. I want my children to grow up knowing that marriage is between a man and a woman. "

TwoOutOfTouchParties wrote on Oct 6, 2006 9:40 AM:

" The only thing worse than the Republican party is the Democratic party. They have both sold out to extremism, and neither of them represents the common people any more. The Repulicans use religion as a bases for their own agenda. They feed off of folks that believe in God and moral standard's to gain control and justify their greed and corruption. The Democrates use religious freedom as a bases for their own agenda. They feed off of folks that won't be part of the religious right, those who don't believe in God and those with few moral standard's to gain control and justify their greed and corruption. I changed my status from Republican to Independent two and a half years ago. I vote the issues and not along party lines. I am waiting for someone to come along that will not be bought or sold, someone who will stand for what is right, this person will get my vote. I'm not sure if this person exists anymore! Jean Thomas, are you with me? Or are you a puppet of the even worse, Democratic party? I don't understand why there isn't an outcry to throw them all out and start over. "

Kristin wrote on Oct 6, 2006 10:00 AM:

" I like the libertarians, but they favor illegal immigration and are weak on defense. Too bad. "

Goons In Office wrote on Oct 6, 2006 10:19 AM:

" Both parties are disgusting and bad for America. You have in one corner War Mongering Perverts and in the other Lawyers creating laws faster than we can right them all in the name of "Political Correctness". "

SENSELESS wrote on Oct 6, 2006 10:21 AM:

" Sandra Mugwump and C.S. Stan are not representative of the Republican conservative ideal that is lost in all this cultural falderal. Yes we believe in country and family but we are not all the vile haters you would make us out to be. Some of us actually have read Common Sense by Thomas Paine who shares nothing with Stan. Our concern centers in law and an economic model that allows us the greatest opportunity to advance as rational citizens. We are also not anti science or religiously elite and resent the chaining of our party to those beliefs that deny cognitive exercise. "

James wrote on Oct 6, 2006 10:28 AM:

" It seems that they all favor illegal aliens. I don't get it. Don't our politicians realize that these alien's, besides the drain own our economy, bring their ideology with them. Ponder that for a moment! "

James wrote on Oct 6, 2006 10:37 AM:

" Sensless, is Bush representative of your Repulican conservative ideal. Prescription drugs? Illegal aliens? Out of control spending? Gas and energy prices? "

Ronald Reagan wrote on Oct 6, 2006 10:48 AM:

" Peace through strength. Increase government revenue by lowering taxes (I got this from John F. Kennedy), but limit the power of government. Beware of extremes...left-wing communism, right-wing fascism. Take strategic risk. Trust the people to make the right decision. "

Carrie wrote on Oct 6, 2006 11:19 AM:

" Right on Thomas! I love your opinion. DITTO from me. "

SENSELESS wrote on Oct 6, 2006 11:35 AM:

" James, do you understand the word resent? "

Carrie wrote on Oct 6, 2006 11:36 AM:

" The Republicans won't let us, but God would let us be gay. Lesbians unite! "

James wrote on Oct 6, 2006 11:49 AM:

" Sensless, yes, and I am with you on that! "

James wrote on Oct 6, 2006 11:54 AM:

" Carrie, I'm not Republican so I cannot answer for them. My understanding is that the reason that this world is such a mess is that God's government is based upon freewill. He grants us the choice to choose Him or not. I don't believe that Republican's, Mulslim's, Catholic's or any other party or religion has the right to take away our God given choice. That being said, I believe that your choice has consequences. One would never want to abide in God's government while choosing and enjoying open rebellion against His laws. Something to think about. "

Sandra aka mugwump wrote on Oct 6, 2006 12:23 PM:

" Senseless...well you got one thing right..your name...How do you get what you said from what I said? I meant that neither party is innocent in sexual scandals. I am not republican, and am becomming embarrassed by the democratic party. I try to keep an open mind and use it to see the heart of an issue unclouded by predjiduce. My husband is republican, and I feel most of the people in both parties are basically trying to be decent human beings...the politicians are another matter, and for the most part set their parties standards. I never said republicans were anti religious, or democrats for that matter. Any extreme view is usually dangerous in some way. But as I said, this is America, and ain't it grand? I was not being sarcastic, I meant it. Why people must resort to name calling in getting their point across is a sign of a poor intellect. "

Existentialist wrote on Oct 6, 2006 12:27 PM:

" James, All right, a little more uniqueness and authenticity is what we need! Bravo choice and responsibility the only freedom we have is that which we seize, it is not given to us, we do not inherit it, we either have of we do not. It is definitely not mandated by a political party or church. "

Carrie wrote on Oct 6, 2006 12:29 PM:

" I don't need God, James. If God existed, she would let me be gay, without any consequences. I didn't even realize I was gay until college, and my psychologist pointed me on to the right path. She pointed out that I was simply limiting myself based on my religion from growing up. Now, I want to help everyone. "

James wrote on Oct 6, 2006 12:49 PM:

" Carrie, how do you help anyone? Do you feed and cloth the hungry? Do you support the widow and the orphan? Do you respect the laws of the land? Are you a peacemaker, among those whom you disagree? Do you help your friends to get off alcohol and drugs? Do you work, pay your bills and occasionally lend to those in need? Just curious. "

James wrote on Oct 6, 2006 1:15 PM:

" Carrie, your psychologist is just a human being. I've known more than a few people who got a degree in psychology whose on lives were a mess. Now they are out giving counsel and advice-scary! Sounds like your psychologist may have told you what you wanted to hear. I am also curious, how do you think lesbians united would make anything better? What kind of agenda would they have? Love, peace and harmony? By their own standards and example? "

Mike wrote on Oct 6, 2006 1:16 PM:

" For any politician from Florida to DC, it is terrible to think that a person feels that they are "CHOSEN" by God to lead, only to send people to their death, continually lie, and loath in their own personal envy. Yes GW is a meglo-maniac, Rummy a compulsive liar, and Shoot ya In the Face Cheney a Greedy old man. These people are not any closer to God than you or I. In fact it seems like Chavez got it right, he (maybe they) may very well be the Devil. "

James wrote on Oct 6, 2006 1:31 PM:

" It appears that some of our comments are being errased. Personally I hold priests, teachers, counselors, politicians and any other person of authority to a higher standard. In a perfect world the punishment would be ten fold greater for one of these to commit such crime as a common person. This isn't a perfect world and it is up to us to scrutinize what we are being told, taught or counseled. "

Mike wrote on Oct 6, 2006 1:50 PM:

" Just to clarify, the first Mike (8:30am)is me and the last Mike (1:16pm) is not. That last Mike is exactly why people aren't voting for Democrats right now...too many of those rants with negligible intelligent discussion. "

John wrote on Oct 6, 2006 1:56 PM:

" There isn't much difference anymore between the two parties. They are basically all sellouts. Under GWB, America is just one big yard sale. Our ports, our airlines etc.. etc.. giving in to big business wanting more cheap labor, and now we are over run with illegal aliens. It's one fine mess we have ourselves in. Voting comes down to choosing the lesser of evils. "

Far A Field Sandy wrote on Oct 6, 2006 2:07 PM:

" Oh, Oh What happened to Stan? A little to vitriolic? How can you agree with both Stan and Thomas with out trying to work both sides of the street? How can you work so vehemently for one party yet claim membership in another? If you Support Bush and the Christian agenda so be it but don’t smugly tell us you’re a Democrat and how much you love the present occupant of the white house. Where is Everet Dirkson when you need him? "

SENSELESS wrote on Oct 6, 2006 3:01 PM:

" Sandra, see far a field Sandy, as a Midwestern and real “cloth coat” Republican I find most of these comments offensive especially “Mr. Stan.” "

CommonSense Stan wrote on Oct 6, 2006 4:38 PM:

" Let me restate for the record(I thought I made it clear)I am not part of the religious right.I don't believe in the literal word of the bible and as for evolution, well, you can hardly argue with the physical evidence we dig up every day. But neither am I afraid of them like our friendly librarian from Minnesota.Unfortunately my first post is gone now but the Fallwell right represents a point of view just like the Dennis Kucinich Vegans for Peace have their own agenda. In the great political middle most of these two's positions get, for the most part, ignored. I just find it highly humorous how agitated the lefties can become when forty years of the big lie begin to erode and people start to look behind the curtain to see who the Great Liberal Wizard really is. "

KANSAS wrote on Oct 6, 2006 5:55 PM:

" Hey Stan Who's the Wiz? "

CommonSense Stan wrote on Oct 6, 2006 6:33 PM:

" The Wiz isn't any one person.It's an entire set of lies and fables that have been perpetuated by big media and the democratic leadership and the elites of academia.Since the advent of talk radio and the internet we see now the little man behind the curtains spewing out the lies.Every year the hold slips over the masses and the liberals get more and more shrill and desperate. "

Sandra Page wrote on Oct 6, 2006 7:09 PM:

" How can I see both sides of an issue? Well I can see that radicals from the left and the right can be annoying to all of us in between. I can see how wanting books about dinosuars off of library shelves is extreme and should not rule the norm just because some christians with very narrow views want it that way. I also know many christians who are truly loving and kind.I can also see that Stan is right to be offended by the last paragraph of Jeans letter as it is not true of most republicans. The same claim about a political party being high jacked could also be applied to democrats. Why must it be an us against them attitude? I am not working for republicans. Much of the republican agenda I disagree with. Much of the democratic agenda I disagree with. The democrats have had more than thier fair share of sex scandals...so the affected outrage is just that, an orchestrated attempt to seize power. Neither party should be proud of how their leaders are behaving on the whole. Much could be changed for the better. But I do agree with the Presidents stand on terrorism. I know the threat western civilization faces from radical Islam. So in that I agree with republicans. How can I do this? Well first off I think for myself and not how a political party tells me to think. How about you? "

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