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March 30, 2005

A Republican I Agree With (on some things)

Former Senator and Former Ambassador to the UN John Danforth wrote an op ed in today's NYT titled "In the Name of Politics." He argues that the Republican party has been highjacked by the Christian right.

I do not fault religious people for political action. Since Moses confronted the pharaoh, faithful people have heard God's call to political involvement. Nor has political action been unique to conservative Christians. Religious liberals have been politically active in support of gay rights and against nuclear weapons and the death penalty. In America, everyone has the right to try to influence political issues, regardless of his religious motivations.

The problem is not with people or churches that are politically active. It is with a party that has gone so far in adopting a sectarian agenda that it has become the political extension of a religious movement.

I completely agree with this part of his statement. Of course, the part I don't agree with is the idea that the Republican Party or a "free economy" is the way to create a better United States. I believe in society helping its poorest members, recognizing that healthcare and education are a birth right, and accepting responsibility for governing the commons rather than leaving it in the hands of money-hungry businessmen.

Posted by cj at March 30, 2005 9:33 AM

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