Alexander Cockburn: Rick Santorum is the most fanatical Christian to run for the Republican nomination in the modern era, maybe any era

living through the slow-motion train wreck that is the endless 2012 presidential election is one of the most painful experiences of my 64 years and candidates like rick santorum push the pain level to almost intolerable levels...

from counterpunch...

Surely Rick Santorum is the most fanatical Christian to run for the Republican nomination in the modern era, maybe any era. Next to him Pat Robertson, billionaire founder of the Christian Broadcasting Network, who ran for the nomination in 1988, has the tolerant, glassy-eyed bonhomie of the late Dean Martin. Robertson has always been in show business. Four years ago we had Mike Huckabee, the evangelist and former governor of Arkansas, one of the boys, shacked up with Mrs Huckabee in his doublewide on the grounds of the Arkansas gubernatorial mansion. He has always been in show business too.

But with Santorum – a conservative Roman Catholic and member of Opus Dei – there’s a truly manic edge to his religious pronouncements and activities. It was Santorum and Mrs S, don’t forget, who took their still-born baby home from the hospital and laid it among their living tots, telling them, “he’s with the angels now,” an episode Mrs Santorum later recorded in a memoir.

Santorum doesn’t believe in the right to privacy. Not that Obama has any qualms about taps on your phone and powers of arbitrary arrest, but he probably doesn’t care too much about whatever human combos are being tried out in the bedroom. Santorum frets 24/7 about beastliness and unnatural acts, and yearns to restore full rights to snoops to kick down the motel door, twitch aside the blankets and haul couples off for all manner of moral abominations.

Contraception in Santorum’s opinion is “a license to do things in a sexual realm that is counter to how things are supposed to be”. Pre-natal testing is also a no-no for Santorum, father of eight.
 
In 2003 Santorum said he favored having laws against polygamy, adultery, sodomy, and other actions “antithetical to a healthy, stable, traditional family”. The possibility of bestiality in today’s licentious times bothers him a lot — “man on dog,” as he famously put it on a talk show. Not for him the possibility of abortion in cases of rape: “I believe and I think that the right approach is to accept this horribly created, in the sense of rape, but nevertheless, in a very broken way, a gift of human life, and accept what God is giving to you.”

[...]

Why is a guy like this currently running neck-and-neck with Mitt Romney for the Republican nomination? The usual maps drawn by political experts stipulate that at some point in the prolonged nomination battle the candidate has to shed the gothick nuttiness and over-the-topness that got him traction in the early primaries and reach out to the independents without whose support no presidential bid can succeed.

There’s zero sign that Santorum is of any disposition to do this. So why does he turn out to be the last man standing in the path of the Mormon billionaire Mitt Romney in the battle for the nomination?

First and foremost, he’s not Mitt Romney.

ain't it amazin' how somebody like santorum can actually make somebody like romney seem not all that bad and somebody like romney can make a two-timing, bait-and-switch president like obama seem halfway acceptable...? nah... screw 'em all, every damn one of 'em...

Submit To Propeller
Tweet

[Permalink] 1 comments

A Brother Tim Op-Ed

I try to keep my posts proprietary to the blog on which they're written. However, as this story refuses to give up the ghost; I thought I'd launch my boat and see how it floats. This was originally published at the Blog of Revelation.

Obama Shakes Off Wright Jab

Although it was a stinger, it was by no means a knock-out blow. It never even drew blood. The pounding Obama has taken from the MSM pundits seems to have only proved to make him stronger, as witnessed by the primaries in North Carolina and Indiana last night. The question that the pundits of the MSM refuse to ask, even though it is asked daily in the blogosphere, is: What was Wright's motivation?

I have read and heard explanations such as, 'He was duped' or 'He's out to ruin Obama'. There may be some degree of truth to those explanations, but it is much more complex than that.

The Rev Jeremiah Wright is a self-aggrandizing, bombastic, egocentric, fool. He is an 'old-school' Black who refuses to accept or acknowledge progress. He is afflicted with what I would term, Plantation Syndrome. If he gets a traffic ticket; is declined credit; turned down for employment; or has his electric service cut off; the reason is always the same: "It's because I'm Black". It's the selfish resistance to accept responsibility; something I'm
certain he's preached on many times. It appears Wright has succumbed to the lustful desires of the flesh. Paul counsels in Galations 5:16-17 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary the one to the other; so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Make no mistake about this: Rev Wright is an intelligent and well-educated man. Was he duped? To some extent. Was he trying to purposely hurt Obama? Again, to some extent. His motivation is spawned by his fleshly desire for vengeance.

The man started his calling with a good heart and noble intentions -- helping and lifting up the poor and downtrodden. In that, he experienced much success. Day-Care Centers; Outreach Missions; Food Pantries; and preaching the love and understanding of the Gospel of Christ. But somewhere, sometime, something went terribly awry.

I have several Black friends, including Pastors, and am no stranger to Black Churches and their style of preaching and worship. I have spoken with them about the Wright Debacle, and they are all of the opinion that, worse than the pain he has inflicted on Obama, is the damage he has done to the Black Church, and Christianity in general.

Black Preachers are fiery, entertaining, animated Bible-thumpers; but they are NOT vitriolic or hateful. The Blacks I have talked with, including the Pastors, feel adamantly that he does NOT represent the Black Church. From my personal experiences, I tend to agree with them whole-heartedly.

He's correct when he said, "Black Churches worship differently", but not in the way he implied. Black Churches are on a different, possibly higher, spiritual plane; due to the histrionic tribulation of subjugation. There is a lot of truth in what Wright said, but with his intelligence and education, the language and words he used, were both irresponsible and inexcusable. Mark 7:15 There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man. So...... How did the flesh get such a death-grip upon a Man of God?

Frustration (I can understand that). But Wright let his frustration give way to anger, and his anger birthed a bitterness within him. Anger has a way, if not kept in check, to eat a man up, from the inside out. David advises in Psalm 37:8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

Wright was little-known outside of the Greater Chicago area, where he was highly esteemed. He saw in Obama, a chance to gain national prominence; to become, as it were, the next Martin Luther King, Jesse Jackson, or Al Sharpton. To him, the opportunity was irresistible.

However, after being forced to resign both his coveted position as Pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ, and his seat on Obama's Spiritual Advisory Committee; his frustration, anger, and bitterness reached the boiling point. When he was offered the 'National Spotlight' by his long-time friend, Rev Barbara Reynolds (an ardent Clinton supporter), at the National Press Club; he jumped on it like a duck on a June-bug. He had little or no concern for the ripple effect it would have on Obama, the Black Church, or Christianity. He thought only of himself, and his need to vent his anger and bitterness. He felt the National Press Club event was the perfect venue for the unleashing of his vengeance. Wrong---- It only tarnished his reputation, and sullied his message.

He should have prayed for discernment, as to why the MSM was giving him so much airtime, when preachers like John Hagee, Pat Robertson, Rod Parsley, Jerry Falwell, et al, make the same comments and worse; yet are given little to no coverage. Hypocrisy rears it's ugly head again.

So what do we do now?

I would exhort all people of faith to pray for Jeremiah Wright. I have, and will fervently continue to do so. I pray that Rev Wright will be blessed with:
Inner-peace -- To be freed from the bonds of the demons of his frustrations, anger, and bitterness.
Strength -- To combat the lusts of the flesh that are overtaking him.
Wisdom -- To see the error of his ways, and a return to the good works the Lord has commissioned him to do.

And what should Rev Jeremiah Wright do?

He should repent, apologize, ask forgiveness of those he has wronged; and above all, keep his mouth shut tight till the Holy Ghost gives him utterance.

Will he do it? I don't know. Given his mindset and performance over the last couple of months, it appears doubtful. But hey.......Scripture tells us that only God can change a heart, and with God, all things are possible.

Alors, I will keep the faith and continue praying.

Peace and Grace,
Brother Tim

Submit To Propeller
Tweet

[Permalink] 0 comments

A powerful essay from Bill Moyers on Wright, Hagee, Falwell, Robertson, the media feeding frenzy, and the politics of race

exceptionally worthwhile...

Submit To Propeller
Tweet

[Permalink] 0 comments

Another nut that is in need of cracking

Media Matters has the full story.

From the June 12 edition of the Christian Broadcasting Network's The 700 Club:

ROBERTSON: The question would be, ladies and gentlemen, if a million Christians want to go to Saudi Arabia and say, "We want to pray," you can't pray in Saudi Arabia. You can't have religious literature in Saudi Arabia. You can't get together in Bible study groups in Saudi Arabia. As far as having special places for foot-washing and all that, no way. You will abide by Sharia law because they're in control.

Ladies and gentlemen, we have to recognize that Islam is not a religion. It is a worldwide political movement meant on domination of the world. And it is meant to subjugate all people under Islamic law.

Islam is not a religion??????? Will someone please pass me the nut-crackers?

Actually, Pat, we have to recognize that the 700 Club is not a religion. It is a Neo-con political movement meant on domination of the world.

Submit To Propeller
Tweet

[Permalink] 0 comments

Regent University School of Law grad will publicly display her talents on Wednesday

important reminder...

JUDICIARY COMMITTEE MEMBERS
NOTICE OF HEARING

TIME: 10:15 a.m.
DATE: Wednesday, May 23, 2007
PLACE: 2141 Rayburn House Office Building

Hearing on: The Continuing Investigation into the U.S. Attorneys Controversy and Related Matters.

Witness: Monica Goodling, former Justice Department White House Liaison
By Direction of the Chairman

i posted on regent school of law back in late march when the attorneygate scandal was picking up steam, but in all of the various pieces of press coverage, i missed something fairly startling...

i did catch this...

Graduates of the law school have been among the most influential of the more than 150 Regent University alumni hired to federal government positions since President Bush took office in 2001...

but somehow this skated right by me...

Regent ... is ranked a "tier four" school by US News & World Report, the lowest score and essentially a tie for 136th place...

[...]

Seven years ago, 60 percent of the class of 1999 -- [Monica] Goodling's class -- failed the bar exam on the first attempt.

let's go ahead and revisit regent... hell, it's a slow sunday evening, right...?

Leadership at Regent University

Pat Robertson Chancellor & President "Regent University is an academic environment where Christian leaders are taught to discern and respond to the times."

Regent University School of Law

Regent Law School seeks to admit students who are serious about the critical roles they will assume as future counselors, conciliators, defenders of the faith, effective client advocates and followers of Christ.

Strong academic credentials are crucial, but Regent Law also places significant importance on the personal statement and letters of recommendation. The personal statement gives the Admissions Committee insight into the student's motivation for studying law and reveals his or her desire to receive a legal education integrated with Christian principles. Regent Law seeks men and women who are dedicated to becoming Christian leaders who will change the world for Christ.

Why choose Regent? If you are academically qualified and you desire to integrate your faith with your pursuit of a legal education and ultimately the practice of law, we invite you to apply to Regent University School of Law.

it's comforting to know that the justice department is making every effort to recruit and retain the very best, brightest talent available from top tier law schools... best of all, we're going to see first-hand how monica stacks up in just three more days...

Submit To Propeller
Tweet

[Permalink] 0 comments

Monica Goodling - a Regent Law grad changing the world for Christ

mistakes have been made... crimes may have been committed...

As the liaison between the White House and the Justice Department, Ms. Goodling seems to have been squarely in the middle of what appears to have been improper directions from the White House to politicize the hiring and firing of United States attorneys. Mr. Gonzales has insisted the eight prosecutors were let go for poor performance, and that the dismissals are an “overblown personnel matter.” But Ms. Goodling’s decision to exercise her Fifth Amendment rights suggests that she, at least, believes crimes may have been committed.

several articles on ms. goodling have referenced her graduation from pat robertson's regent university school of law... here's part of regent's message to prospective law students...

Regent Law School seeks to admit students who are serious about the critical roles they will assume as future counselors, conciliators, defenders of the faith, effective client advocates and followers of Christ.

Strong academic credentials are crucial, but Regent Law also places significant importance on the personal statement and letters of recommendation. The personal statement gives the Admissions Committee insight into the student's motivation for studying law and reveals his or her desire to receive a legal education integrated with Christian principles. Regent Law seeks men and women who are dedicated to becoming Christian leaders who will change the world for Christ.

Why choose Regent? If you are academically qualified and you desire to integrate your faith with your pursuit of a legal education and ultimately the practice of law, we invite you to apply to Regent University School of Law.

also, note the upcoming attractions...

• 2008 Presidential candidate, Mitt Romney, announced as Regent University Commencement Speaker

• Rudy Giuliani to speak at Regent's Executive Leadership Series April 17 at the Founders Inn.

ah, pat... ya gotta love 'im...

Leadership at Regent University

Pat Robertson Chancellor & President "Regent University is an academic environment where Christian leaders are taught to discern and respond to the times."

Submit To Propeller
Tweet

[Permalink] 0 comments

Christians for peace - what a concept!

'bout time we saw some major affirmation of what jesus REALLY taught...

Christian Peace Witness for Iraq has organized a worship for Friday night at Washington's National Cathedral to be attended by 4,000 people who will then hold a candlelight procession to the White House, the anti-war group said.

A vigil will take place in front of US President George W. Bush's official residence and 700 people have indicated their readiness to be arrested in an act of civil disobedience, the group said.

The group has billed the event as the biggest Christian peace demonstration since the March 20, 2003, US-led invasion of Iraq, but rain and possible snow forecast for Washington could dampen attendance.

the far right, extreme christian fringe, over the past years, has given christianity a black eye... i'm one that believes that christ, buddha, mohammed, and all the major spiritual figures throughout history were all about love, refraining from judgment, and affirming the dignity and worth of every living thing... with the intolerance and hate that's been the hallmark of false christians like dobson, tony perkins, pat robertson, jerry falwell, and the like, it's been as easy to lump all christians into the same pile as it has been to do the same with muslims - and doing EITHER is simply wrong... it's nice to see REAL christian principles being put into practice...

Submit To Propeller
Tweet

[Permalink] 0 comments

Romney to Giuliani: I'm more far right than you are

and he's going to be on tv with pat robertson to prove it...

ABC News reports that in an interview taped for the Christian talk show The 700 Club and set to air March 6, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney smeared contender Rudy Giulani, saying, "He is pro-choice, he is pro-gay marriage, and anti-gun. That's a tough combination in a Republican primary."

oh, by all means... see who can "out-extreme" the other... it makes for compelling television...

(thanks to raw story...)

Submit To Propeller
Tweet

[Permalink] 0 comments

Disguising radical extremists as conservatives

you don't have to read further than the first paragraph to see what i mean... it's been proven time and again that there is a difference, often a gapingly-wide difference, between "conservatives" and (take your pick of the following) evangelical christians/social conservatives...

McCain, Romney Vying for Support Of Conservatives

By Alan Cooperman and Chris Cillizza
Washington Post Staff Writers
Tuesday, February 13, 2007; Page A01

As a former Iowa state Republican chairman, head of Iowa Right to Life and political director of Rep. Jim Nussle's losing gubernatorial campaign, Marlys Popma is an experienced political operative as well as an evangelical Christian.

So when the phone calls started from Sen. John McCain of Arizona and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, Republican presidential candidates eager for her help in the crucial Iowa caucuses next year, she knew this was not an election she could sit out. "You're never going to find the perfect candidate," she said.

cutting to the chase, pompa chose mccain... but, back to the point... scan your eyes over the names that appear in the following paragraphs, and then tell me if you can spot one that hints even remotely of less than extremism, if not of outright looney-tunes...

"Winability is a bigger issue in this campaign because of the Darth Vader-like specter of a Hillary Clinton presidency," according to the Rev. Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptist Convention's policy arm. Evangelicals "want the most socially conservative candidate they can find, who can win," he added.

Romney, who is expected to formally enter the presidential race today in Dearborn, Mich., has been particularly aggressive. In October he held a casual gathering at his Boston home for a who's who of social conservative leaders. Falwell and evangelist Franklin Graham munched on sandwiches and sipped soup alongside former presidential candidate Gary Bauer and pastor Richard Lee of First Redeemer Church in Atlanta.

Romney will also host a private reception for Christian radio and television hosts during the National Religious Broadcasters' annual meeting next week in Orlando, and he is expected to be the commencement speaker at the Rev. Pat Robertson's Regent University in May.

• Jerry Falwell
• Franklin Graham
• Gary Bauer
• Pat Robertson

i can't speak to the two richards, land and lee, but the other four represent some of the most hate-filled, intolerant, dangerous rhetoric that's ever been spewed in this country, and here we have not ONE, but TWO major republican party presidential candidates vying for their favor... disgusting...

i can deal with conservatives, but i have no tolerance for radical extremists, nor do i have any tolerance for major news outlets who would deceive us by characterizing radical extremists as mere conservatives...

Submit To Propeller
Tweet

[Permalink] 0 comments