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Apocalyptic Times for the GOP FaithfulPosted on May 24, 2007By Joe Conason For more than three decades, the Rev. Jerry Falwell guided the white evangelical masses of the South into the Republican Party, culminating in the most outwardly pious presidency in modern American history. Having first gained notoriety as a hard-line segregationist in rural Virginia, he won power as the televised prophet of a partisan gospel. Scarcely had he gone to his ultimate reward, however, before his friends and allies threatened to dismantle that legacy—and the dominance of the party to which he had devoted his ministry. The late preacher can hardly be blamed for the ruinous condition of the Bush administration and the Republican Party. But with the tandem rise of Rudolph Giuliani, a pro-choice Catholic, and Mitt Romney, a highly flexible Mormon, Falwell’s old flock is feeling deeply alienated. Within days after his death, the leaders of the movement he symbolized began to proclaim a message of dissension. The most significant voice raised against the notion of a Giuliani nomination belongs to James Dobson, president of Focus on the Family, which is now widely reckoned to be the largest religious-right organization. On May 17, Dobson declared he could not support the candidacy of the former New York mayor under any circumstances. “Speaking as a private citizen and not on behalf of any organization or party, I cannot, and will not, vote for Rudy Giuliani in 2008,” he wrote in an essay on WorldNetDaily, a right-wing website. “It is an irrevocable decision.” Even if forced to choose between Giuliani and Hillary Rodham Clinton or Barack Obama, he said, he would “either cast my ballot for an also-ran—or if worse comes to worst—not vote in a presidential election for the first time in my adult life.” Richard Viguerie, the aging but still influential right-wing direct-mail impresario, shares Dobson’s disgust at the prospect of a Giuliani ticket but goes even further in his anathema. Having always preferred to identify himself as a “movement conservative” rather than a party-line Republican, Viguerie is on the verge of urging his right-wing comrades to abandon the Grand Old Party. “If the Republican Party nominates Rudy Giuliani as its candidate for either president or vice president, I will personally work to defeat the GOP ticket in 2008.” Advertisement Still, the Republican apocalypse is not here yet and may not arrive next year. Despite Giuliani’s momentary popularity, the party’s primary voters could find many reasons to reject him—including such colorful episodes as his humiliating flight from Gracie Mansion to the luxury apartment of gay friends who sheltered him from his wronged wife. His personal behavior and associations, notably with the corrupt former Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik, may be as unacceptable as his issue positions on guns, gays and abortion. For Dobson, a ticket led by Mitt Romney might seem like salvation—but other evangelicals are repelled by the former Massachusetts governor’s membership in the Mormon Church, which they have been taught to regard as a satanic cult. Besides, Romney is a recent convert to the tenets of the religious right—and a zealot whose over-eagerness to please is anything but pleasing. His nomination too could provoke a split from the right. Now this isn’t the first time that Dobson or Viguerie have issued angry warnings to the Republican establishment about dire consequences if the party departs from righteousness. Such jeremiads are always heard in the election-year cacophony, and are always dismissed as meaningless cant. Power reliably overcomes principle for these moral absolutists. But next year might be different. For many of the religious right’s true believers, the nomination of Giuliani or Romney would represent the ultimate humiliation. Should either of these events come to pass, then the Dobsons and the Vigueries and their followers at last will have to validate their ideological posturing with independent action. They will have to put up or shut up. © 2007 Creators Syndicate Inc. Previous item: Apocalyptic Times for the GOP Faithful Next item: Apocalyptic Times for the GOP Faithful Elsewhere: . CommentsAre you a Truthdig member yet? Login now, or register with Truthdig. Add Your Comment
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By michael, May 29, 2007 at 5:30 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
Is anybody getting a laugh out of the fact that the 2 best chance for the evangelicals to stay in power are rudy ( pro choice pro gay marrige) and Rommey a mormon. Most christians I have talked to will out of the public eye at least will say mormons are not christians and a cult at the best. I have said it before to most born agians If you stood on stage said you where agianst gay marriage and pro-life but then ripped the head off a baby and drank its blood the would still vote for you
Report thisBy JNagarya, May 28, 2007 at 10:57 pm #
“#72297 by TruthSeeker on 5/24 at 2:01 pm
(9 comments total)
“The Republican Party is evolving, or devolving, as it hemmorages sane and good people who are tired of the fear and the terrorizing, not to mention war crimes and criminality. Its base is now the religious zealots and the authoritarian personality-types who can easily be led due to the fear and war mongering.
“I just read a great article on these authoritarian types, and on the Republican Partys slide into brownshirt territory. If the last debate they had shocked you, then I highly recommend this essay.
“Called Unmasking of the Authoritarians
“Link: http://www.valenzuelasveritas.blogspot.com”
Give us a break. The self-consciously precious language, tne religioApocalyptic opposition to the religioApocalyptic, and the conspirabunk make it unreadable except by the true believer.
Report thisBy John C. Bonser, May 28, 2007 at 11:21 am #
Good point! Louise -
Report thisThe Old Testament is filled with many gems. Unfortunately is our zeal to prove that we “believe in the Bible” we place deep ditches and huge road blocks in front of us and thus that prevent enjoyment and understanding. Rather than putting a strait jacket on we need to let our imaginations soar.
By Inherit The Wind, May 28, 2007 at 9:18 am #
(Unregistered commenter)
I did not know that Richard Viguerie had been big in the Wallace campaign, but it completes the circle of facts:
Virtually every leader of the modern right-wing Christian fundamentalist movement is nothing more than an old-time segregationist dressed up as an agent of God.
It is clear that Viguerie, Falwell, Dobson, Bakker, Pat Robertson, etc., are all nothing but vicious racists who want to achieve via “legal” means what the KKK achieved via terrorism the 1860s through the 1960s.
It amazes me that in America today, such obvious racists have made such a comeback. The right-wing conservatives keep getting closer and closer to the Aryan Brotherhood and the KKK. Just listen to Rush Limbaugh or Ann Coulter—they are already there.
So the christo-fascists are in an uproar about Rudy and Mitt? Do I look like I care? Do they want to start a third party to sink the GOP? That’s their Constitutional right.
Report thisBy Louise, May 25, 2007 at 11:09 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
Great posts!
I never have been able to plow through the Old Testament.
Lord knows, when I was younger I tried, but kept falling asleep!
I suspect the same ailment might explain so many folks willingness to suck up the right-wing Cristo-crap.
It might be all that’s keeping them awake!
I do seem to recall a Sunday School lesson (more years ago than I care to remember) where the Teacher read from the New Testament something to the effect that Jesus, fed up with his disciples constant demands to give them a sign so they could recognize the second coming said, “A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after signs.”
Now, I don’t know if it was in the same book, but I seem to recall his (Jesus) identifying the anti-Christ as “He who lives and loves a lie.” And if that is correct, and my quotes are not too far off the mark, seems to me a good majority of the population at large could fall into those two descriptions.
But then, I’m not a Richard Viguerie, or a James Dobson or that hairy guy screaming hell and damnation on the corner, so ...
I could be wrong.
Report thisBy DennisD, May 24, 2007 at 11:11 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
The GOP has nothing to worry about once the abortion and homosexual marriage issues are dusted off and brought out of Karl Rove’s lair the Evangicals will be as easily manipulated and anal retentive as ever.
Report thisBy PatrickHenry, May 24, 2007 at 9:08 pm #
A Parlimentary style congress would be more representative of the people.
Report thisBy rage, May 24, 2007 at 8:57 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
In every Biblical account of the Whore (twisted fake religion) who straddles the wild untamed Beast (government), the Beast tires of the Tramp, and pitches her. He then tramples her, mocks her, defames her, and finally destroys her, leaving everyone who witnesses the act stunned. But, none deny the justice of her judgement. She was espoused to one, and played the whore with many, often taking no money, but PAYING her Lovers(expensive speakers fees)! She took food from Her Childrens mouths (fake Feed-The-Starving schemes) to feed her Lovers (support Bush generously). She used her Husband’s (GOD) resources and gifts to Her to sexually ensnare Lovers (states and corporations), lavishing them with rich gifts (political donations and endorsements), and sating them in the lap of luxury beset with palatial accoutrements (inviting candidates to roll up on Hallowed Ground in the House of the Lord before His congregants to jack off that load of lying Bulls@#t). Ezekiel 16 gives details of her whorings.
Jerry got us all because he read the one Book too few of us have not finished beyond Psalms 23. We didn’t need to join him and convert. We just needed to read the Bible without prejudice to know the difference between nationalistic GOP talking points these religio-fascists are vomiting and actual Biblical passages. Everything to refute these feebleminded zealots was readily available in the pages of that gift from the Gideons found on practically every motel nightstand. But, we were too busy in the Ho-Jo (Howard Johnsons) screwing around to pay Jerry and his lobotomized kids a whole lot of needed attention. We, though, have learned. As it turns out, there was a pop quiz, and we blew it. King Solomon called it right when he noted that we perish for lack of knowledge and wisdom.
Anytime GOP Falwellians aren’t getting their way, they slam down the ARMAGGEDON card to frighten God’s Children back to the Liberty prosperity plan of Falwellian spiritual abuse. The truth is that Armaggedon is an appointment we are all destined to keep. Armaggedon literally means “valley of Decision.” That ultimate decision is not pared down to the narrowed fundamentals of abortion, homosexuality, or our conquest and vanquishing of the infidels whose resource-rich land we fiercely covet. That war is lifelong, personal, pertinent, and very complex. In the Valley of Decision, humanity struggles to determine her fate. Mankind’s final judgement will always be bound to the consequences of the tumultuous viscissitudes of this life. It’s why King Solomon, in the book of Ecclesiastes, warned us to go about life LIVING our lives, because, in due season, time, chance, and circumstance will bring our judgement. At the end of the harvest of the world, Jesus promised to separate the wheat from the chaff on the threshing floor with the winnowing fan. The wheat will there be shaken free of the tares. The final question comes down to this: did you fulfill your true purpose? The sun has warmed this earth for us all. The rains fall on the just and the unjust. Every person born to earth’s Humanity has been set on the journey of LIFE. Life on this planet is not eternal, where Humanitys’ survival is predicated on our self sacrifice and our productive yeild. In the very end, the outcome of Armaggedon for each of us will be the direct product of our GIVING OUR LIVES for each other, simply having LIVED LIFE. Armaggedon is not the vehicle to substantiate Jerry’s end-time tripe or justify Flubya’s corruption.
Report thisBy THOMAS BILLIS, May 24, 2007 at 7:36 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
Jerry Falwell straight from his front row seat in hell is speaking through Dobson’s mouth.The die is cast the electorate at long last has seen through the scam artists.The question is can the democratic party grow the balls to take advantage of it.
Report thisIf this were Tom Delay and Newt Gingrich with this much of an edge in public opinion they would be going for the throat to finish them off.
The rise of the religious right has as much to do with the democrats being the party of fecklessness as it does with any particular program.If we could just trade consultants with the republican party for a year the religious right would be become the fringe players they were always supposed to be.
By John C. Bonser, May 24, 2007 at 7:20 pm #
An interesting thought:
Report thisSome of our right wing fundamentalists hope that that can light the fuse for what they see as the final battle and the end of the world. Ironically, that is one of the intentions some suggest was the motivation for Judas when he betrayed Jesus.
By Hammo, May 24, 2007 at 6:22 pm #
Americans may be getting wise about religion, spirituality and how these things are manipulated.
There are many indications that Americans are experiencing greater understanding of true spirituality.
Food for thought in:
“Emerging discoveries in human consciousness may change many global activities”
American Chronicle
May 24, 2007
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewArticle.asp?articleID=27957
Report thisBy John C. Bonser, May 24, 2007 at 4:59 pm #
Dick Armey calls Dobson “a bully.”
Report thisBy Leefeller, May 24, 2007 at 4:24 pm #
GW=MCHammered on 5/24 at 9:43 am Enjoyed the satire, always have and always will.
Missed the warning at the top but I figured it out anyway.
Now that I think of it, if Russ Limbaugh has posted something I would have believed it to be satire of a different sort.
Report thisBy Reg Stocking, May 24, 2007 at 3:48 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
Does anyone else remember that Barry Goldwater, in a fit of disgust, remarked that anyone who really loves Jesus should make a detour to kick Jerry Falwell’s ass? The self-identified Christian right is a pathetic mockery of what Jesus taught.
Report thisBy GW=MCHammered, May 24, 2007 at 1:43 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)
(warning ... satire ahead)
Tainted Ink Found On US Dollar!
by Indigent Riter
The Warshington Prone
May 666, 2007
The US Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve announced today that just like the recent incident of contaminated pet food, tainted ink has been discovered on the US dollar.
“The tainted bills contain the poison whatsyoursismine,” explained Senior Executive Deputy Chief of White House Liaison, Ralph Gotbucks, at a news conference this morning. “For the average American, there’s nothing to fear. Most of you don’t have any money anyway.”
But the burning question in everyone’s mind is, How could this happen?
And in response, Federal Reserve Board of Governors Junior Senate Vice Chairman Spokesman said, “It’s simple economics. It costs a nickel to print a dollar in the US due to high labor and health care costs. In China, it only costs a penny to print a buck and we get to pocket the difference… even if it does mean we have to lie down with Communists.”
Scientists think the toxin induces GFD, Greed-Feeding Disorder. “In some cases, just one exposure to whatsyoursismine turns them into Greed Feeders. All the victim wants is more. More-More-More. They’re simple addicts,” explained psychiatrist Doctor Philip Imokay.
Bank cashiers handle loads of cash but indeed just like the working poor, they seem resistant to the poison. “It appears whatsyoursismine only affects law firm and health care professionals, religious leaders, lobbyists and pharmaceutics, old blue bloods and neo politicians. The sole cure is absolute abstinence,” said Doctor Imokay.
“Hey, I been saying that for years, man,” singsongs Aerosmith’s lead vocalist Steven Tyler, “Don’t need no shrink to explain’ that… Eat the rich, baby… YeeeAaaaaa!”
(warning ... satire tale end)
Report thisBy TruthSeeker, May 24, 2007 at 11:31 am #
The Republican Party is evolving, or devolving, as it hemmorages sane and good people who are tired of the fear and the terrorizing, not to mention war crimes and criminality. Its base is now the religious zealots and the authoritarian personality-types who can easily be led due to the fear and war mongering.
I just read a great article on these authoritarian types, and on the Republican Party’s slide into brownshirt territory. If the last debate they had shocked you, then I highly recommend this essay.
Called “Unmasking of the Authoritarians”
Link: http://www.valenzuelasveritas.blogspot.com
Report thisBy anonymous, May 24, 2007 at 10:27 am #
(Unregistered commenter)
Giuliani and Romney will promise and deliver anything the cult leaders ask for. If either can win, they’ll get support. Dobson will take credit for the win or the loss.
Report thisBy ann, May 24, 2007 at 9:01 am #
(Unregistered commenter)
...as if voting in a presidential election makes much sense as long as the electoral college rules the day!
Report this