I always seem to agree with Kathleen Parker - Printable Version
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I always seem to agree with Kathleen Parker - The Horrible Esthete - 11-20-2008
Heresies and Other Truths
November 19, 2008
WASHINGTON -- As Republicans sort out the reasons for their defeat, they likely will overlook or dismiss the gorilla in the pulpit.
Three little letters, great big problem: G-O-D.
I'm bathing in holy water as I type.
To be more specific, the evangelical, right-wing, oogedy-boogedy branch of the GOP is what ails the erstwhile conservative party and will continue to afflict and marginalize its constituents if reckoning doesn't soon cometh.
Simply put: Armband religion is killing the Republican Party. And, the truth -- as long as we're setting ourselves free -- is that if one were to eavesdrop on private conversations among the party intelligentsia, one would hear precisely that.
The choir has become absurdly off-key, and many Republicans know it. But they need those votes!
So it has been for the Grand Old Party since the 1980s or so, as it has become increasingly beholden to an element that used to be relegated to wooden crates on street corners.
Short break as writer ties blindfold and smokes her last cigarette.
Which is to say, the GOP has surrendered its high ground to its lowest brows. In the process, the party has alienated its non-base constituents, including other people of faith (those who prefer a more private approach to worship), as well as secularists and conservative-leaning Democrats who otherwise might be tempted to cross the aisle.
Here's the deal, 'pubbies: Howard Dean was right.
It isn't that culture doesn't matter. It does. But preaching to the choir produces no converts. And shifting demographics suggest that the Republican Party -- and conservatism with it -- eventually will die out unless religion is returned to the privacy of one's heart where it belongs.
Religious conservatives become defensive at any suggestion that they've had something to do with the GOP's erosion. And, though the recent Democratic sweep can be attributed in large part to a referendum on Bush and the failing economy, three long-term trends identified by Emory University's Alan Abramowitz have been devastating to the Republican Party: increasing racial diversity, declining marriage rates and changes in religious beliefs.
Suffice it to say, the Republican Party is largely comprised of white, married Christians. Anyone watching the two conventions last summer can't have missed the stark differences: One party was brimming with energy, youth and diversity; the other felt like an annual Depends sales meeting.
With the exception of Miss Alaska, of course.
Even Sarah Palin has blamed Bush policies for the GOP loss. She's not entirely wrong, but she's also part of the problem. Her recent conjecture about whether to run for president in 2012 (does anyone really doubt she will?) speaks for itself:
"I'm like, OK, God, if there is an open door for me somewhere, this is what I always pray, I'm like, don't let me miss the open door. Show me where the open door is. ... And if there is an open door in (20)12 or four years later, and if it's something that is going to be good for my family, for my state, for my nation, an opportunity for me, then I'll plow through that door."
Let's do pray that God shows Alaska's governor the door.
Meanwhile, it isn't necessary to evict the Creator from the public square, surrender Judeo-Christian values or diminish the value of faith in America. Belief in something greater than oneself has much to recommend it, including most of the world's architectural treasures, our universities and even our founding documents.
But, like it or not, we are a diverse nation, no longer predominantly white and Christian. The change Barack Obama promised has already occurred, which is why he won.
Among Jewish voters, 78 percent went for Obama. Sixty-six percent of under-30 voters did likewise. Forty-five percent of voters ages 18-29 are Democrats compared to just 26 percent Republican; in 2000, party affiliation was split almost evenly.
The young will get older, of course. Most eventually will marry, and some will become their parents. But nonwhites won't get whiter. And the nonreligious won't get religion through external conversion. It doesn't work that way.
Given those facts, the future of the GOP looks dim and dimmer if it stays the present course. Either the Republican Party needs a new base -- or the nation may need a new party.
Re: I always seem to agree with Kathleen Parker - NegPhil - 11-20-2008
Interesting article.
Mrs. Parker and the Republican party need to come to terms with the fact that it was their economic policy, social policy and foreign affairs that sunk their party not God. People of faith realized they have been manipulated and controlled by the republican party from the pulpit and did not "get out the vote". For example Jack Abramoff and Indian gambling. Preachers took bribe money to manipulate their congregations to either support or oppose tribe gambling according to who paid Jack Abramoff and Ralf Reed the best bribes.
Fix the corruption and save your party. God may help out but I wouldn't count on it. He voted for Obama.
Re: I always seem to agree with Kathleen Parker - emperor penguin - 11-20-2008
Very interesting. Currently the religious right accounts for 40% of the Republicans support, and as the article mentions, in the past this was enough to win. However, in this election the way Obama was able to bring out new voters, young and minorities, the old reliance on the religious vote no longer worked for the Republicans. To most southern relgious Republicans the pro life issue is the sole basis for their party affiliation, and I think this has turned people off of the party. Look at Huckabee, religion was his main platform of support. As the article states, the demographic in the UNited States is changing, and the Republicans are falling behind the times.
Re: I always seem to agree with Kathleen Parker - sullivand - 11-20-2008
For whatever reason, as I read this entire column, I got it in my head that it was written by Kathleen Edwards. The further I read, the greater my amazement at her nuanced understanding of U.S. politics. So much so that I didn't even realize my mental block till I googled "Kathleen Parker" to read more about this singer's political writings. D'oh!
Still an interesting read, even if it's not by the singer. :oops:
Re: I always seem to agree with Kathleen Parker - skippy the wonder dog - 11-20-2008
<i>"I'm like, OK, God, if there is an open door for me somewhere, this is what I always pray, I'm like, don't let me miss the open door. Show me where the open door is. ... And if there is an open door in (20)12 or four years later, and if it's something that is going to be good for my family, for my state, for my nation, an opportunity for me, then I'll plow through that door."</i>
John Allemang (sp?) in the Globe & Mail writes in the voice of God:
"That Palin woman's such a pest,
A deity deserves some rest."
This is about the first article Esthete's posted that I agree with.
The Republicans (along with everyone else) have been playing the politics of division, identifying core constituencies and pandering to them. And the more vehement that constituency is in its beliefs, the greater its feeling of alienation, the more committed it will be to the cause, the more inclined to come out and vote, the more vocal, etc. The Christian right is all those things.
But as a block, it's only so big. And there is no doubt that pandering to that block repels a lot of voters -- indeed, it doesn't sit well with some Republicans. The question now is whether the GOP is going to try to take a new path, or if they'll treat McCain as a failed attempt to take a new path and veer towards Palin.
I'm hoping for Palin in 2012, as I think that's a guaranteed Obama victory, and also a rich source of giggles for years to come.
Re: I always seem to agree with Kathleen Parker - The Horrible Esthete - 11-20-2008
skippy the wonder dog Wrote:This is about the first article Esthete's posted that I agree with.
If you like this one, you should read others when you can. Agree with her or not, she's a fine columnist and is always a good read.
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skippy the wonder dog Wrote:I'm hoping for Palin in 2012, as I think that's a guaranteed Obama victory, and also a rich source of giggles for years to come.
Please, no more Palin. Please.