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The problem with the Republicans is that they have crawled into bed with the religous wrong. So far, I have seen little evidence that the two are going to stop going steady anytime soon. The big name Bible thumpers command a significant chunk of change from the faithful, and they also command their ears via various religious broadcasts and written propaganda. The Republicans want those dollars in their war chest and they want those votes on election day. In return, they have no qualms about throwing a few less influencial groups to the dogs.
I live in Republican El Paso County, home of one of the greatest concentrations of evangelicals in the US. I have had people tell me that the town where I live, which has the reputation of being a liberal haven in the surrounding evangelical sea, will one day see its streets run red with blood. I spoke with a man who runs a Tibetan store which features various Tibetan Buddhist items tell me that a woman came in and told him that he and his godless religion were not welcome here, and that he needed to go back where he came from.
There's a big whoop right now about faith based initiatives taking over help for the disadvantaged and handicapped from the government. Well, if faith based iniatives work so great, then El Paso County should be a show case for them. Ahem...
Local charities are overwhelmed because Republican El Paso County is loath to spend so much as a dime on social services. The World Prayer Center et al have NOT been frothing at the mouth to bridge the gap. Low income people in this county commonly go without medical care or proper housing. Gays in the community keep a pretty low profile for fear of losing their jobs. The local Planned Parenthood Clinic seems to have a constant ring of protestors around it every time I drive by. Next door to me their is a large gated, private community. Christians only need apply. The list goes on...
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