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[Paksoy, Hb]

http://www.tompaine.com/op_ads/opad.cfm/ID/4847
 
American Taliban
Falwell & Robertson Hit a New Low

     We needn't look halfway around the world for intolerance and zealotry.
We have them right here at home.
     Speaking on Pat Robertson's TV show, "The 700 Club," just two days
after the terrorist attack of September 11, Reverend Jerry Falwell said the
United States got "probably what we deserved." "Jerry, that's my feeling,"
Reverend Robertson replied.
     Falwell continued: "I really believe that the pagans, and the
abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians ... the ACLU,
People For the American Way -- all of them who have tried to secularize
America -- I point the finger in their face and say, 'You helped this
happen.'"
     "I totally concur," gushed Robertson.
     How un-Christian. How crass at a time of widespread grief and sorrow.
     Just when we need unity and national dialogue -- What happened and why?
How do we respond? -- we get the ranting of theocrats. In their passion for
God-centered government, Falwell and Robertson sound like the American
Taliban.
     Like their fundamentalist brethren, they demonize "liberals." They're
on a holy crusade to convert civil society. Each makes God a partner in
their hate.
     Yet Falwell and Robertson aren't merely televangelists. They're
political power brokers who lead an activist element of the American
conservative movement. The payback from politicians who get their blessing?
Sway over political appointments and policy.
     God and politics make strange bedfellows. Apologies notwithstanding,
Falwell's and Robertson's allies should repudiate them. CNN, Fox News, ABC,
NBC and CBS, where they are regular guests, should stop giving them airtime.
     Seeking guidance in this troubling time? Seek other voices. The
Christian ministry Sojourners organized an ecumenical response to last
week's terrible violence. Its website offers links to many voices of many
faiths -- www.Sojo.net. 


Published: Oct 19 2001