NationStates Jolt Archive

Senator John Danforth wrote an op-ed piece in today's New York Times. I encourage you all to read it (http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/17/opinion/17danforth.html?incamp=article_popular) no matter what your political or religious beliefs. I'd like to think that Danforth's words could affect the current political climate, could wake others in the Republican party to the danger their party faces from the radical element that currently controls it, but I harbor no illusions about that possibility. Here's an excerpt from the piece I found particularly moving.

In the decade since I left the Senate, American politics has been characterized by two phenomena: the increased activism of the Christian right, especially in the Republican Party, and the collapse of bipartisan collegiality. I do not think it is a stretch to suggest a relationship between the two. To assert that I am on God's side and you are not, that I know God's will and you do not, and that I will use the power of government to advance my understanding of God's kingdom is certain to produce hostility.

By contrast, moderate Christians see ourselves, literally, as moderators. Far from claiming to possess God's truth, we claim only to be imperfect seekers of the truth. We reject the notion that religion should present a series of wedge issues useful at election time for energizing a political base. We believe it is God's work to practice humility, to wear tolerance on our sleeves, to reach out to those with whom we disagree, and to overcome the meanness we see in today's politics.

For us, religion should be inclusive, and it should seek to bridge the differences that separate people. We do not exclude from worship those whose opinions differ from ours. Following a Lord who sat at the table with tax collectors and sinners, we welcome to the Lord's table all who would come. Following a Lord who cited love of God and love of neighbor as encompassing all the commandments, we reject a political agenda that displaces that love. Christians who hold these convictions ought to add their clear voice of moderation to the debate on religion in politics.

I'm as partisan as they come, but this is a man I could vote for.

He is not a republican, he is a religious democrat ;)

Agreed. It's good to see someone who doesn't disgrace the name of my religion get some real airtime (as it were).

Anyone else listen to Pause for Thought on BBC radio 2? Tat's a good one too although it isn't really political.

Actually, he's what Republicans used to be, back before they sold their souls to the christian right.

Very well said. :)

Actually, he's what Republicans used to be, back before they sold their souls to the christian right.
With the excepts of same-sex marriage and abortion (many Republicans want state authority, not federal even on those issues), Republicans have went left with the Democrats. I think it's more selling their souls to the Secular Humanist left.

With the excepts of same-sex marriage and abortion (many Republicans want state authority, not federal even on those issues), Republicans have went left with the Democrats. I think it's more selling their souls to the Secular Humanist left.
What brand of crack have you been smoking? The Republicans have gone left? In what? Bizzarro-World?

With the excepts of same-sex marriage and abortion (many Republicans want state authority, not federal even on those issues), Republicans have went left with the Democrats. I think it's more selling their souls to the Secular Humanist left.

ROFLMAO

I recommend crawling back into your hole and pulling a rock on top. You obviously have some trouble relating to reality and should go back to a place where it won't bother you anymore.

What brand of crack have you been smoking? The Republicans have gone left? In what? Bizzarro-World?

I think he is referring to the fact that modern Republicans spend just as much as Democrats (and therefore tax highly). At Bush’s last State of the Union, he effectively said its ok to spend lots of taxpayer money as long as its on the right things. Almost made me puke.

Very good article. I like it. Unfortunately I find little hope in it turning the tide against this growing surge. Perhaps I am simply too pessimistic.

What brand of crack have you been smoking? The Republicans have gone left? In what? Bizzarro-World?
apparently one where up is down

Very good article. I like it. Unfortunately I find little hope in it turning the tide against this growing surge. Perhaps I am simply too pessimistic.

I doubt the minority of those who wish to further the "christian right" agenda will be able to bring everyone on side. They might gain more power, but, as we both know, power fluctuates, so it is only a matter of time.

I doubt the minority of those who wish to further the "christian right" agenda will be able to bring everyone on side. They might gain more power, but, as we both know, power fluctuates, so it is only a matter of time.

True, but I've often been told that time seems to slow down during earthquakes, car crashes, and other moments of great tramua and confusion.

Cynically, one might point out that the hundred year war did eventually end...and 10 years into the war "it was only a matter of time" before it was over. But perhaps I'm opptimistic to think our current difficulties won't last that long ;)

I tend to ignore Democrat and Republicans these days.

Mainly because of the group known as the Mexicrats, Nominal Democrats in California who are agents for Mexico in the state government.

People who want to give illegal aliens driver's liscences, for instance.

...and then people ask me why, as someone raised Democrat, voted Republican.

I liked what he was saying, that no one can actually know god's will. It goes with the bumper sticker that says God is not a republican, or a democrat. That tends to make sense for me.

Plus, bringing the will of god into aa political argument would be considered a political suicide for most good politicians. All you need is a sarcastic rejoinder saying "Oh really, and tell, when did you become God's confidant? Most religion tends towards moderate at best, Christianity, following the New Testament should actually lean to the hard left. The only highly conservative doctrinal religion I can think of would be Islam, although Hinduism has those tendancies as well. There have just been too many people in the (at least) American political system that have used god to justifiy nothing but blind ignorance and stupidity.

I'm not a christian but I hope that by all Christian beliefs, they get a good smack bottom at the pearly gates.

I think he is referring to the fact that modern Republicans spend just as much as Democrats (and therefore tax highly). At Bush’s last State of the Union, he effectively said its ok to spend lots of taxpayer money as long as its on the right things. Almost made me puke.
Actually, over the last five years, Republicans have spent more than the Democrats, while simultaneously cutting taxes to their lowest percentage of GDP in 70 years--not exactly fiscal responsibility. But that doesn't mean that Republicans--or Democrats for that matter--are leftists. It means they're not fiscally responsible. Economics fits less well than social issues on the arbitrary left-right scale.