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Mike Huckabee gets an oppo dump

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December 8, 2007 in 2008 Elections, Caucuses, Huckabee, Iowa politics, Radical Right, Religion and Republicans. 1 Comment

Maybe I’m just over-generalizing in my mind, but does it really surprise anyone that Rev. Mike Huckabee said that homosexuality is “sinful” and “abberrant”?

He’s a Baptist minister and is strongly courting the social conservative wing of the Republican party–which can likely account for his ascension to the top in Iowa as of late. Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t homosexuality generally considered a sin by most social or Christian conservatives? To me, I don’t see the supposed damage to his campaign from those statements. It is what they want to hear.

Now, this shit about quarantining folks with AIDS…that’s likely to hurt an image of a compassionate Christian hell-bent on helping people.

While all of this information was released this morning by the Associated Press, I’d still call it an opposition research dump. My guess is that someone in another campaign(s?) had some knowledge of these answers and the AP had to put the story out in an effort to quell rumors that could be even worse than the facts in this case.

Welcome to the front-runner position, Huckabee. Now comes the serious vetting.

Local GOP party splits

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Chris Woods

November 28, 2006 in 2006 Elections, Iowa politics, Radical Right, Religion and Republicans. 0 Comments

I’m sure many of you are aware of comments that Woodbury County GOP Chairman Steve Salem made after election day, accusing the Christian right of the Republican party of essentially screwing over the more moderate members of the party. For those comments, he was voted out of his position last Monday night. Bret Hayworth of the Sioux City Journal has quite an interesting post on some more of the background of the meeting and the divisiveness that emerged, even though they didn’t directly address the criticisms brought up by Salem.

I’m surprised that Krusty hasn’t taken up some kind of role in the discussion because of the importance these kinds of debates have on local GOP structures. Part of the biggest complaints from some GOP strategists (and Steve King) after the election was the lack of GOTV strategies and efforts in Western Iowa counties where Republicans have historically maintained a huge dominance. If the Republican party wants to continue to hold on to Western Iowa, as well as shape up for the 2008 cycle, they need to be focused on having these debates and bringing about change.

But hey, if they can’t get their act together, who am I to complain?

Why America is Not the Last Superpower

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Chase Nordengren

May 31, 2006 in Al Qaeda, Foreign Policy, Religion and September 11th. 1 Comment

I’ve been reading George Crile’s “Charlie Wilson’s War”, a fantastic book about how a congressman essentially forced funding down the CIA’s throat in the 80’s to aid the mujahideen in Afganistan against the Soviets. Besides being a future project for both Tom Hanks and Aaron Sorkin, the book is quite relevant to the modern foreign policy enviornment for obvious reasons.

Crile quotes several members of “the most successful modern jihad” who argue, almost in identical rhetoric, that Allah is the only superpower. This was clearly the force which unified Muslims against the Soviet invasion as the trespass of a country which believed itself a superpower onto the real superpower - that is, God. This, I believe, is now the force which unites the militant sect of Islam against the percieved invasion of the superpower United States.

We have begun, in the 21st century, to preface the term “superpower” in many ways - military, economic, intellectual and cultural. If these are all the marks of a superpower, than any superpower can act with these powers in benevolent or malevolent ways. I do not believe that America’s cultural or economic power has been abused more often than it has not - in fact, I often argue that America should more agressively spread its culture and intellectual shibboleths in order to compete with our enemy. Islamofascism, however, thinks that the Secular Superpower is imposing a culture of decadence and disobedience on a world which ought refuse to accept it.
Each side, therefore, claims to be a superpower and claims their opponent ought not be.

Missouri Fundamentalism

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Nate Koppel

March 3, 2006 in Justice with Nate Koppel, Radical Right, Religion, Republicans and WTF Moment of the Day. 7 Comments

Well, as if some kind of divine sign that my last entry–that Americans don’t know the first amendment of the Constitution–was right on target, Missouri state lawmakers (of course, I’m assuming they’re not all this stupid) have introduced a bill to make Christianity the state’s official religion.

No, you’re not reading that wrong. The bill affirms Christianity as the majority religion, that a Christian God exists, etc. I’m impressed. This kind of idiocy–blatant, unapologetic stupidity–doesn’t come around very often. Take a moment to sit back and savour it.

Now, of course, I’m not gonna bite this hook–I’ll give State Rep. David Sater enough benefit of the doubt to know this will never pass, much less get a chance to see it’s way through the court system.

Yet I’m still really pissed. The sheer audacity of the bill is bad enough, but I mean, it’s really, really a waste of taxpayer money. I’ve been to Missouri, and I’ll be honest, they’ve got stuff they should be doing. But all in all, what is Rep. Sater thinking? Does the man really think this should be passed? ProgressiveU got it right when they asked, “Are we becoming a theocracy? Missouri leads the way!” Who needs religious intolerance abroad when we can have it here at home?

IA-Gov: More contributions to GOP from McGuire-supported PAC

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Chris Woods

March 1, 2006 in 2006 Governor's Race, Blouin, Mike, Democrats, Iowa politics and Religion. 10 Comments

According to FEC reports found at NewsMeat.com, Dr. Andrea McGuire has given $880 total American Enterprise Mutual Holding PAC over the last three years. The individual breakdowns can be found on this page.

Just who has this AEMH PAC contributed to? Let’s run down a list of some of the major GOP organizations:

ENSIGN, JOHN ERIC VIA ENSIGN FOR SENATE
Date: 11/06/2003
Amount: $1000.00
GANSKE, JOHN GREG VIA GANSKE FOR SENATE
Date: 08/22/2002
Amount: $1000.00
GANSKE, JOHN GREG VIA GANSKE FOR SENATE
Date: 10/09/2002
Amount: $1500.00
GANSKE, JOHN GREG VIA GANSKE FOR SENATE
Date: 10/22/2002
Amount: $1000.00
GRAHAM, LINDSEY OLIN VIA LINDSEY GRAHAM FOR SENATE
Date: 10/22/2002
Amount: $1000.00
GRASSLEY, CHARLES VIA GRASSLEY COMMITTEE INC
Date: 08/22/2002
Amount: $100.00
GRASSLEY, CHARLES E VIA GRASSLEY COMMITTEE INC
Date: 10/13/2003
Amount: $1000.00
LATHAM, THOMAS P VIA LATHAM FOR CONGRESS
Date: 08/22/2002
Amount: $100.00
NATIONAL RIGHT TO LIFE POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
Date: 03/01/2002
Amount: $500.00
NUSSLE, JIM VIA NUSSLE FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE
Date: 08/22/2002
Amount: $100.00
NUSSLE, JIM VIA NUSSLE FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE
Date: 10/22/2002
Amount: $900.00
NUSSLE, JIM VIA NUSSLE FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE
Date: 06/29/2004
Amount: $1000.00
NUSSLE, JIM VIA NUSSLE FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE
Date: 10/19/2004
Amount: $2500.00
TALENT, JAMES MATTHES VIA TALENT FOR SENATE COMMITTEE
Date: 10/22/2002
Amount: $1000.00
THOMPSON, STANLEY J VIA THOMPSON FOR CONGRESS INC
Date: 08/22/2002
Amount: $1000.00
THOMPSON, STANLEY J VIA THOMPSON FOR CONGRESS INC
Date: 10/07/2002
Amount: $1500.00
THOMPSON, STANLEY J VIA THOMPSON FOR CONGRESS INC
Date: 10/22/2002
Amount: $1000.00

It may not seem like a lot of money in personal contributions, but it really is in the large scheme of things, particularly when the money is donated in tandem with large donations to individuals and parties. Now, to be fair, the PAC also gave money to Democrats, but it gave money to conservative Democrats who vote with Republicans on a decent number of issues — folks like Ben Nelson of Nebraska and Leonard Boswell from here in Des Moines.

Tomorrow, I’ll have the information on contributions from another PAC that McGuire supported, WellPAC — the political action committee work Wellmark, Inc., which divided up contributions fairly evenly.

And let me just be clear, my biggest problem is that I don’t know what kind of Democrat Andy McGuire is. Other commentators around the Interwebs have noted that Iowa is a moderate state and party switching is a frequent event among ordinary Iowans. But Andy McGuire isn’t just an ordinary Iowan. She’s the sister-in-law of a former state Democratic chair and has contributed hefty amounts of money over the last 15 or so years. And she’s done it back and forth between both parties — and even registered to participate in Republican party politcal events at least four times.

The Blouin Campaign needed a solid liberal candidate who takes a strong pro-choice stance on abortion and can bring in some balance to the ticket. Andy McGuire just throws the ticket even more off balance and creates even more muddiness for a ticket that needs solid name recognition and some real clairfying on positions. I simply don’t understand why they would pick her without realizing these repercussions.

Defending Free Speech in a Soft Power War

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Chase Nordengren

February 20, 2006 in European Union, Foreign Policy, Iran, Religion, Soft Power and Terrorism. 7 Comments

The ultimate test of free speech, ultimately, is allowing that speech with which we most disagree for the sake of the principle. That is why, as difficult as it is to say, jailing Holocaust deniers is wrong. In many ways, I think it is like criminalizing the desacration of a flag: picking out the most idiotic opinions and legislating against them. The end is the same: more damage to principles than it was worth to remove an opinion that convinced very few in the first place.

The reason “war on terrorism” is a misleading term is because fighting extremist Islamism by fighting terrorism is like pushing for civil rights by banning slavery: it is important, perhaps even most essential, but it is far from enough. The western world laughs at Mahmoud Abaminajad’s Holocaust “forums” yet simultaneously criminalizes an admittedly despicable but entirely weak opinion. This is where the worst of dictators, religious extremists and autocrats get their arguments against Western secularism, freedom and liberty. Ultimately, if we do not protect our own ideals, the rest of the world will view them as impossible and not worth protecting at all.

Cartoon Clash of Civilizations

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Nate Koppel

February 3, 2006 in European Union, Foreign Policy, Justice with Nate Koppel, National Security, Religion, Terrorism and World News. 5 Comments

I’ve been roundly criticized by my liberal friends for putting more credence in the theory of the “clash of civilizations” but the more time goes on, the more I’m convinced it may be right.

The point I’m trying to make here is that I see a civilizational conflict brewing between Western (in Europe) countries and Islamic peoples both in Europe and in Arab countries. This is not, of course, to characterize all Muslims as a homogenous unit–I’m well aware that that cannot and should not be attempted.

The situation at hand is the controversy about the cartoons published in the Danish newspaper “Jyllands-Posten.” Twelve caracatures of Muhammed were printed in the paper, and this caused a huge uproar among Muslims for two reason: Firstly, Islam generally prohibits visual depictions of Muhammed, considered the a Prophet from God. Second, a number of the drawings were incredibly racist and insensitive, for example there is a drawing of Muhammed with a bomb in his turban. This has, understandably, caused great anguish for Muslims everywhere.

Since then, the potential for violence has exploded. In the Middle East, one incident saw gunmen storm the European Union office in Gaza, demanding an apology. Threats of kidnappings have started, and things don’t seem to be looking good for the future.

Of course, in response, a number of other newspapers have begun to reprint the original drawings, including the BBC, which has rebroadcast them. These actions, from both sides, have started a ridiculous spiral downward that likely will not end well.

So we see a rift between a culture which values freedom to the point where the right to be able to offend is considered paramount, and a culture which values its religious teachings enough that they are willing to fight to protect them. A logical conclusion is far from apparent, given the tenuous positions both sides have lodged themselves in. The liberal culture of Europe has met the steadfast tradition of Islam…A seeming clash of civilizations.

Don’t support Iowa fundamentalists

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Chris Woods

January 25, 2006 in Blogs, Fundraising, Iowa Legislature, Iowa politics, Radical Right, Religion and Republicans. 0 Comments

Patriot Skull Face recommends that any Democrat, progressive, liberal, or otherwise sane member of a political party who doesn’t want the ridiculous Christian fundamentalist Iowa Family Policy Center and Chuck Hurley funding their opponents campaign, then they shouldn’t eat or hold events at any Iowa Pizza Ranch locations or eat Blue Bunny Ice Cream.

Now, I’m a big fan of Blue Bunny Ice Cream, but when I noticed that the Wells family was donating big time to Bob Vander Plaats for governor, I knew there was a big problem. Looks like its Ben and Jerry’s for a long time for me. Oh, and I’m proud to say that I’ve never eaten at a Pizza Ranch before — and I probably never will.

It looks like Mainstream Iowa is a big supporter of the IFPC (big logo and links on the sidebar) which certainly explains a lot of his craziness. But wait — maybe Mainstream isn’t really anonymous anymore! Maybe he is Chuck Hurley!

/removes tin-foil hat.

More on Prof. Harvey and religion in Iowa

Published by

Chris Woods

January 3, 2006 in Drake University, Iowa politics and Religion. 7 Comments

Radio Iowa has another article up today on Professor Jennifer Harvey of Drake and her thoughts on the lack of multiculturalism and dominance of Christianity in Iowa. I wrote about one of them yesterday. I’m not entirely sure what prompted these articles by Radio Iowa, but I’m guessing it might’ve had to do with this DM Juice article by Joe Lawler about Prof. Harvey.

State 29 discusses today’s article, and while not being particularly vulgar or nasty, still manages to slap an insult towards Prof. Harvey:

“Drake hired her to be a religion professor, but how is the fact that Iowans are mostly Christian and religious in nature somehow a revelation to her?

What is she, some kind of idiot?”

It’s not a revelation to her, you ass. What she’s pointing out–which I’ll admit is entirely jumbled up in the Radio Iowa piece–is that she’s amazed how much religion, particularly Christianity, is tied into to political thought and decisionmaking in Iowa. As somewhat of an expert in Iowa because she does have a Ph.D., they look to her knowledge as legitimate commentary when she makes remarks explaining how different religion and politics play in the more liberal areas of the east coast when compared with Iowa. It doesn’t take an expert to understand the point of the Radio Iowa piece, you just have to be reading it with a greater intent than complaining about it.

Then there’s this from State–I’m not sure what he’s trying to evoke with it:

“She’s also into the Indigo Girls, Ani DiFranco, The West Wing, Six Feet Under, and has a partner. Not that there’s anything wrong with it.

Harvey also mentions in the DM Juice story that she dislikes the lack of racial diversity in Des Moines. Maybe she should move to somewhere around 13th and Forest.”

Why the emphasis on partner? Can you just come out and say quite simply that she’s a lesbian? It isn’t that difficult. If Iowans have a problem with her sexual preference, I’d like to see them get the hell out of here, or at least go hang out with Sadler of the KKK so they can all be together at one time and implement what you predict will happen.

And the fact that you can point out one predominantly African-American neighborhood in Des Moines–Iowa’s largest urban area–and call that our example of racial diversity isn’t exactly enlightening. Diversity doesn’t mean going somewhere else that is predominantly filled with people of another race. Diversity mains a variety and difference of thoughts, opinions, people of different races, religions, etc.

Religion in Iowa

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Chris Woods

January 2, 2006 in Drake University, Iowa politics and Religion. 1 Comment

Mainstream Iowa copies in full a Radio Iowa article dealing with relgion in Iowa and how Christianity is most definitely dominant. The expert Radio Iowa links to is Drake Professor Jennifer Harvey. Now, I’ve taken a few courses in the Philosophy/Religion department, but I’ve never had Professor Harvey. But many of my friends have and they really love her as a professor. Her youth and vitality keep her classes invigorating and she is definitely a knowledgable instructor.

In the Radio Iowa piece, Harvey notes just how difficult it is to be of a different faith in Iowa:

“Harvey says you have to make an “active choice” if you’re Hindu or Muslim, whereas she contends it’s easier to be active in Christianity, to “just kind of live into (Christianity) without thinking” because “there’s no cost” in our culture to associating with Christians or being a Christian.

Harvey says she sees her Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist students do “a lot of extra work” because they’re part of a minority religion. Harvey says “it’s a lot easier to not have to choose if you are part of the norm or the dominant culture” of Christianity in our country and state.”

Professor Harvey is absolutely right. I know Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist students at Drake. They love campus, its diversity, and for the most part its tolerance (save Sarah Mayberry and company). But when they venture outside of campus, even to parts of Des Moines, and into the rest of Central Iowa, it is quite hard to distinguish yourself as anything but a “non-Christian.” Not everyone is as accepting of differences than the youth and faculty of Drake’s campus.

Mainstream’s biggest problem with the article is this:

“If a Christian was to move to Iran, it might be hard for them to adjust living there when Islam permeates their culture. If a person of the Jewish faith was to relocate to India, depending on where they lived in that country, it might be a little difficult because of the predominance of the Hindu or Muslim faith and how it has permeated their culture. So what?”

I think he’s right, to an extent, that the Radio Iowa piece missed the substantive “so what” question inherent in the piece. But I think he does miss the obvious point that diversity and acceptance in Iowa is very weak. Moreover, in the US we claim our country to be a melting pot or salad bowl of various peoples and full of diversity. Yet, with all of this diversity, there are people still of “minority” religions in America who have to fight and work hard to protect their faith from criticism or just being simply brushed-off.

I’m sure that this extra work that they do has to be fulfilling in a spiritual sense, of being able to stand up for you faith and just making it stronger in the end. But Prof. Harvey points out that with Christianity so pervasive, it also appears to be a lot easier to be a “Christian” but not really have to be a Christian in the true sense of the word. I’m sure this just isn’t noticed in Iowa, but its something worth addressing by leaders of all faiths. Tolerance and acceptance of difference are preached by almost all faiths and religious leaders should emphasize that belief.