Fear and Loathing

Conservatives Say Religion Under Attack
The Associated Press
By JIM KUHNHENN
September 14, 2006
When they realize their ability to preach the gospel may very well be at stake, they may reconsider their involvement.
Religious conservative leaders, sensing declining alarm over same-sex marriage, are warning that the debate over homosexuality has prompted attacks on religious freedom.

Perhaps the "declining alarm" comes from a sense that most people are sick and tired of uber-conservative thoughts and language which comdemns anyone who believes differently from their fascist, christianist view.

By expanding the discussion from marriage to religious expression, social conservatives say they will reconnect with religious voters and religious leaders who don't necessarily view same-sex unions as a threat.

In other words, they will threaten those who preach love and tolerance with banishment.

'There are a number of pastors that said, 'Look, we don't get involved in politics, I'm not going to get involved in this issue, I just want to preach the gospel,''

Sounds reasonable to me. The key word here is "reason".

...said Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council. 'When they realize their ability to preach the gospel may very well be at stake, they may reconsider their involvement.'

That sounds like a threat to me. How 'bout you?

Perkins and others are building a case file of anecdotes where they say religious people have spoken out against gay marriage only to be punished.

Another key word in this passage is "anecdote", which is "an usually short narrative of an interesting, amusing, or biographical incident", according to Merriam-Webster.
What supports the anecdote?

Perkins specifically cited the decision by Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich in June to fire his appointee to the Washington area transit board after the board member referred to homosexuals as 'persons of sexual deviancy.'

Ok to believe? Perhaps. Ok to "express"? Perhaps. Ok to use your political position to spew hatred at the cost of a minority? Completely imappropriate and, of course, cruel.

The board member, Robert J. Smith, said he was expressing his personal beliefs as a Roman Catholic.

God help the unenlightened.

The subject of religious expression will be the main theme of an Oct. 15 gathering in Boston of conservative religious and political leaders that will be broadcast to churches nationally.
Many social conservatives credit the furor in 2004 over gay marriage for mobilizing voters in key states who voted for President Bush.

Bought by the Uberfascistneocons, and duped by their empty rhetoric and jingoistic psuedo-patriotism. Led by lies into an illegal war and threats of impending doom.

Since then, however, 16 states have passed initiatives or legislation banning same-sex marriage and several court decisions have upheld those bans. 'As the immediate threat has diminished so has the awareness,' Perkins said.

In other words, your rhetoric is failing. Once the debate starts, your hateful cause will fall into a long spiral towards death. Truth will prevail.

Eight states have ballot initiatives in November to prohibit gay marriage, including some states with closely contested congressional races. Perkins said religious conservative groups planned to use direct mail and the Internet to alert voters about the stands candidates have taken on the marriage issue.

Ah, more threats. More money spent on a weakening ideology. Such a waste of talent which could be better used to "Love your neighbor as yourself".

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