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Xeno-x - Re: I think the Religious Right has had its day.
Most people tend not to consider that the Christian religious right has experienced its recent historical revival only in one small geographical region. This anomaly in comparison with all other first world countries has been unique to continental USA. The damage it has done is immeasurable.
posted by
gomedome
on November 5, 2008 at 4:56 PM
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I think the Religious Right has had its day.
They were considered out of the mainstream in the 19th for most of the 20th centuries. My Dad called them fanatics and kooks -- they were not considered that serious a religious group.
Basically it's loudness that got them to the fore -- also a few sneaky forays into school boards etc.
Reagan's fake family values helped to spark their efforts.
then their part in electing Bush Jr.
then the rest of us got smart.
I don't think they will have the power they once had. The great middle of the road is finally getting smart.
posted by
Xeno-x
on November 5, 2008 at 3:41 PM
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BC-A - it must have been exciting for American citizens
posted by
gomedome
on November 5, 2008 at 9:27 AM
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myrrhage - Re: Great post, Gomedome
I think everyone harbors the same concerns you express as: "But the nagging fear remains: Just how strong - and frantic - will the backlash be?" . . . some have expressed these concerns as fear for Obama's safety. We can only hope that in time those who are unhappy with the outcome of this election learn to live with the reality of what has just transpired. A path of sanity and mutual respect is the inevitable outcome when political change such as this comes as much from a social movement as it did by the machinations and cycles of politics.
posted by
gomedome
on November 5, 2008 at 9:01 AM
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I set the sleeper and listened to ABC radio coverage w/ Mark Simone and Imus' producer Bernie who sparked his trouble last year * so it goes
posted by
BC-A
on November 5, 2008 at 8:58 AM
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ginnieb - Re: What a victory!!!
Many of the aspects of what you refer to as "oppression" by the religious right have a great deal to do with a false sense of entitlement manifested and encouraged by having a president they felt represented them and their beliefs first and foremost. Now that this conduit of influence has been severed to some degree, the first major step in having them realize that they have no more rights than anyone else has been taken.
posted by
gomedome
on November 5, 2008 at 8:52 AM
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Re: I was very proud to be a friend of America last night and watched
Kabu - The opinions of the USA and its adminstration as held by the international community, took a dramatic turn for the better with the results of this election. It will help
"to close gaps and mend rifts" as you put it. What people have tended to forget is that Obama is as smart and savvy as anyone in politics, his campaign bearing testament to that.
posted by
gomedome
on November 5, 2008 at 8:45 AM
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Great post, Gomedome
The religious right will be active for a long time to come, and I think we're going to see an even stronger push from them in the coming months - even years. With every action there is a reaction. We're seeing it here on Blogit already, and we'll continue to see it in our fellow citizens.
Still, I am hopeful that the sprinkling of pragmatism accompanying Obama's idealism will lead us down the path of sanity and mutual respect. But the nagging fear remains: Just how strong - and frantic - will the backlash be? I have to admit to some trepidation as I sent my children off to school this morning. My Internet was down last night and my cell phone is down today. There was a literal feeling of disconnect to temper the need to reach out to all my fellow citizens today.
It's easy to see hope in the eyes of those who share our desire for change, now that the choice has been made. It's the jaded, angry look in other eyes that haunts me. Ironically, that's the look we've seen far too often in the eyes of those who feel their voices have been silenced. I just hope they were listening when Obama said, "I hear your voices," and, "I'll be your president too."
posted by
myrrhage
on November 5, 2008 at 8:44 AM
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FineYoungSinger - Re: To answer your final question:
As an answer to the fianl question, I would have to agree but the loss of influence by virtue of the results of this election have already begun the marginalization process. To what extent remains to be seen but again I have to agree that it will never be complete.
posted by
gomedome
on November 5, 2008 at 8:39 AM
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What a victory!!!
There is hope here now and perhaps we can cut through the oppression of the religious rights groups...even a small cut is a step forward!
posted by
ginnieb
on November 5, 2008 at 7:54 AM
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I was very proud to be a friend of America last night and watched
with pride as history was being made. There will always be prejudice between people and there will always be fundamentalism especially where the worlds religions are concerned; but this was a step forward in reconciliation and a new world order. America is truly hated in many parts of the world and this will help to close gaps and mend rifts. As an Aussie I am ecstatic.
posted by
Kabu
on November 5, 2008 at 7:31 AM
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To answer your final question:
I highly doubt it...and deep down, so do you. The closed mind will never open when it's backed by conviction of deeply-rooted beliefs.
posted by
FineYoungSinger
on November 5, 2008 at 7:23 AM
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