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Hofstadter Proven Correct Again

By Jeralyn, Section Other Politics
Posted on Wed Sep 20, 2006 at 02:09:59 PM EST
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(Guest Post by Big Tent Democrat)

From TRex, via Steve Gilliard:

During a news conference last week, [Georgia Republican Governor Sonny] Perdue said, "It is simply unacceptable for people to sneak into this country illegally on Thursday, obtain a government-issued ID on Friday, head for the welfare office on Monday and cast a vote on Tuesday," according to a transcript provided by Perdue's press office.

Richard Hofstadter is right again:

Amid the current dizzy political scene--with its snake-oil preachers, and anti-Darwinian Social Darwinists , and Indian casino rip-off artists, and a president whose friends say he thinks he is ordained by God--Hofstadter's sharpness about the darker follies of American democracy seems more urgently needed than ever.

Speaking of snake oil preachers and Presidents ordained by God, I hope Senator Barack Obama has noted these "pious" men:

Conservative activists are heaping criticism on Sen. John McCain for fighting President Bush over proposed rules for the interrogation of terrorism suspects, a dispute that has reopened long-standing divisions between the maverick [Ha!] Republican lawmaker and his party's establishment. "This very definitely is going to put a chilling effect on the tremendous strides he has made in the conservative evangelical community," said the Rev. Louis P. Sheldon, chairman of the Traditional Values Coalition, one of several conservative activists who support Bush's proposal on interrogation techniques.

Keep that in mind when you are "reaching out" by selling out Senator:

Democrats, for the most part, have taken the bait. At best, we may try to avoid the conversation about religious values altogether, fearful of offending anyone and claiming that - regardless of our personal beliefs - constitutional principles tie our hands. At worst, some liberals dismiss religion in the public square as inherently irrational or intolerant, insisting on a caricature of religious Americans that paints them as fanatical, or thinking that the very word "Christian" describes one's political opponents, not people of faith. (Emphasis supplied.)

What do you think now Senator? Think Louis Sheldon might vote for you?

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    • Hofstadter Proven Correct Again | 3 comments (3 topical)
    Re: Hofstadter Proven Correct Again (none / 0) (#1)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed Sep 20, 2006 at 04:20:28 PM EST
    Many of us in the U.S.have strong spiritual or religious beliefs, and strongly support a progressive vision of America. Surely the tent is big enough for us all to feel welcomed within. Just because right-wing Christians use the language of faith does not mean that progressives shouldn't. The Progressive Faith Blog lists dozens of blogs by people of faith who want their progressive approach to politics acknowledged. As I understand Barak Obama, he acknowledges that many of us are people of different faiths. He then uses the language of faith to talk about our responsibility to family and community, and our wish for a better world for our children. I think that's good. None of the talk about faith excuses the idiocy of people who are religious and say and do very stupid things. Such as the ones you have acknowledged above.

    Re: Hofstadter Proven Correct Again (none / 0) (#2)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed Sep 20, 2006 at 06:05:38 PM EST
    I think it is really important to recognize that most liberal postitions have a fundemetally moral underpinning. We might actually be able to reach out to and convince more people to vote for our positions if we emphasized that more rather than less. I think that is what Obama is saying. I suggest that all who agree that torture is evil, that health care should be a human right, that global warming is a moral issue, that government can serve the common good, should read the progressive apporach to religion suggested in Michael Lerner's book, The Left Hand of God. I also suggest reading any book by the philosopher Ken Wilber. Until we present a unified vision that underlies all of our progressive policies, we will not capture the hearts of the American people.

    Re: Hofstadter Proven Correct Again (none / 0) (#3)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Wed Sep 20, 2006 at 08:16:35 PM EST
    Hey, if the conservatives want to keep claiming the Old Testament, I say let them have it. 'Bout time the liberals took the moral high ground and claimed the New Testament. I got news fer ya, folks: Jesus was a liberal. So, embrace Him. And, perhaps, go back and read The Gospels again, and both Corinthians. The absolute WORST thing that the Dems and ALL liberals can do is to alienate religious Americans. What greater way to do just that than to ignore, WILLFULLY, the vast potential that Religious America has as a resource for liberals. Think back: of the truly memorable presidents in living memory, which ones put into practice compassionate Christianity? I can only think of one or two. Good deeds beat good words every time.

    Hofstadter Proven Correct Again | 3 comments (3 topical)