Psalm 107:25-33

by Dick Mac

When it's convenient for Republicans to embrace the christian-right, they are very happy to be seen hugging and kissing them and raising their arms together in victory. When right-wing ministers discuss the evils of socialism and the demise of constitutional freedoms, the Republicans are right there beside them. However, when those same ministers start condemning homosexuals, unwed mothers, and progress, the Republicans are strangely absent, pretending they are not aligned with such extremism. Republicans will always distance themselves from their own, when expedient.

When the movement of 'small government' and 'lower taxes' advocated by the Hunt brothers of Texas finally gained traction in California, the GOP embraced the whole package, including the social conservatism that would lead to the removal of civil rights for taxpayers, based solely on their sexual orientation.

Howard Javis, as the representative of those who would demand that taxes be reduced, and Jerry Falwell, as the representative of those who would demand that all social problems are related to liberalism, both attacked the success of post-War America. New institutions such as civil rights and social welfare were put on the firing line as the causes for all that was ailing America.

Citizens lined-up to blame anyone but themselves for the problems of the country, and the Hunt brothers found a poster boy to lead the charge.

Shortly after Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, Anita Bryant and the rest of the christian-right began espousing the evil of homosexuality, so-called "conservatives" in California pushed the passage of Proposition 13, which would greatly restrict the ability of the state to tax property.

These two movements joined hands, the Texans made headway in the GOP and pushed the nomination of Ronald Reagan for president. The success of the movement was so amazing that people like Jerry Falwell became mainstream cultural icons.

It didn't take long for the poison of the religious-right to become part of the GOP platform, where it remains today.

"AIDS is not just God's punishment for homosexuals," [Jerry Falwell] once said. "It is God's punishment for the society that tolerates homosexuals." As late as 1997 he thundered, "If we do not act now, homosexuals will 'own' America! If you and I do not speak up now, this homosexual steamroller will literally crush all decent men, women, and children . . . and our nation will pay a terrible price!"

The Legacy of Falwell’s Bully Pulpit, By Hans Johnson and William Eskridge ’78 

This insanity has carried over into the following century when Republicans declared that Hurricane Katrina was also divine retribution for America's liberalism:

Psalm 107:25-33 says, "He raiseth the stormy wind which lifted up the waves of the sea...He turns rivers into a desert, and springs of water into a thirsty ground; a fruitful land into a salt waste, because of the wickedness of those who dwell in it."

Was there wickedness in New Orleans, Alabama and Mississippi?

Well, let's see. There was the burgeoning Gulf Coast gambling industry, with a new casino that was to open on Labor Day weekend. But of course, what is a little gambling if it supports 'education' and brings revenue into government coffers?

And then there was the 34th Annual gay, lesbian and transgender "Southern Decadence" Labor Day gala to be held from August 31st to September 5th. Welcomed by the last three mayors and City Council, this socially and politically acceptable flaunting of depravity--that has grown each year--was expected to draw 100,000 visitors and millions of dollars to the New Orleans business community and local government. But what is a little sodomy and immorality if it brings in money to the temple and gives everyone a little fun?

Katrina: God's Judgment on America, by David Crowe 

The success of using right-wing christian dogma to frighten Americans into voting against their own best interests is one of the most remarkable stories of marketing in the history of Western civilization.

You will meet Republicans who tell you that the insane, hateful demands of the right-wing are separate and distinct from the platform of the Republicans Party. Those people would either be mistaken or lying. The GOP uses the fear-mongering of the right-wing to disguise an economic agenda that for thirty years has been crippling America.

I wonder what Jerry Falwell and David Crowe would think about God sending Hurricane Issac to disrupt the 2012 Republican Convention?

Is this God's punishment for the hate-mongering of the Republican Party? Or, is this just weather?