Topic: Conservatives

The power of nightmares: The rise of the politics of fear

By Bill Larson | March 11, 2008 |

“The power of nightmares: The rise of the politics of fear” is an award winning documentary created by Adam Curtis for the BBC and was first broadcast in late 2004. The film explores the origins in the 1950’s of Islamic Fundamentalism in the Middle East, and Neoconservatism in America, it highlights the striking parallels that exist between both movements, and the effects they have on our world today.

“Both the Islamists and Neoconservatives] were idealists who were born out of the failure of the liberal dream to build a better world. And both had a very similar explanation for what caused that failure. These two groups have changed the world, but not in the way that either intended. Together, they created today’s nightmare vision of a secret, organized evil that threatens the world. A fantasy that politicians then found restored their power and authority in a disillusioned age. And those with the darkest fears became the most powerful. “

What’s especially interesting about this film is the theory they propose that the hype about the islamic threat in the from of al-Qaeda, is in fact a myth perpetrated by politicians, particularly American neo-conservatives in an attempt to unite and inspire their people following the failure of earlier, more utopian ideologies.

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Resisting the drums of war: Countering appeals to our five core concerns

By Bill Larson | April 5, 2007 |

The Bush administration promoted the misguided and destructive war in Iraq by targeting our concerns about vulnerability, injustice, distrust, superiority, and helplessness. The continued occupation of Iraq—or an attack on Iran—will likely be sold to us in much the same way. This video examines these warmongering appeals and describes how to counter them.

This video is by Roy J. Eidelson Ph.D who is a psychologist who studies, writes about, and consults on the role of psychological issues in political, organizational, and group conflict settings. He is also an Executive Director of the Solomon Asch Center for Study of Ethnopolitical Conflict at the University of Pennsylvania.

The five core conerns are according to his blog, Dangerous Ideas are:

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So you think homosexuality is a sin?

By David W. Shelton | March 15, 2007 |

An open letter to conservative Christians (as posted on www.skippingtothepiccolo.com)

Chances are that you’re stumbling across this post after doing a search on homosexuality, sin, Leviticus, Romans, or 1 Corinthians. Chances are that you’re looking for a way to refute all those gay activists who are really being a thorn in your side. Chances are you might not want to read any more. I have a feeling, though, that there’s going to be enough of a nagging curiosity to keep you going.

There are usually three different types of people who are looking for material on “gay” and “sin.” The first group is made up of people who are struggling with this issue on a deeply personal level. You see, the people in this first group are looking for anything they can find to help them rip out this part of their lives that literally disgusts them. They don’t want to be gay. But they can’t shake the attractions. To this group, I say this: Jesus loves you, period. And yes, reconciliation is possible.

The second group is made of people who are trying to find every argument they can to rebut what the “militant gay activists” have been saying about their sexual orientation. This group is familiar with phrases like “gay agenda” and the “gay lifestyle.” Alas, I have yet to hear anyone actually tell me what the definition is of either of these. After all, I’m gay. I should know, right? We may never know. But hey, it makes for great preaching.

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Ann Coulter: Poster Child of America’s Political Commentators

By James Butler | March 10, 2007 |

Well, it has been a few days but there’s still quite a bit of hubbub about Anne Coulter implying, yes implying not outright stating, that hopeful John Edwards is a “faggot” igniting a firestorm of criticism from both Republicans and Democrats alike. Consider the entirety of Coulter’s speech, however. Other high points include ridiculing Al Gore (in regards to his weight), criticism of Senator Clinton (her most rational comments of the night, as they could be construed as legitimate criticism), and a rather lengthy section on Barrack Obama (whom she called something to the effect of Barrack Osama) and his family heritage. When taken in that context are Coulter’s comments about Edwards anything other than normal? Not really. The woman does it for a living as the Republican equivalent to Michael Moore and Al Franken (who, incidentally are just as bad as Coulter). So, certainly, by all means, get rid of Ann Coulter, but do it in a manner that will actually work.

I recently received electronic mail from a friend of mine encouraging people to write to the companies responsible for bringing Coulter’s venomous rhetoric into the public and encourage those companies to end their relationship with Coulter. The suggestion is actually a great idea. The media operates in a free market (or at least, in name) meaning that as long as Coulter attracts significant attention and makes them money she will continue to be featured by various media. The best method of getting rid of Coulter, and coincidentally all the other two-bit venomous commentators of America, is to convince the people that air their rhetoric that it would be in their economic best interests to sever their ties with them. Of course, a necessary corollary to this plan is to stop paying attention to the likes of Coulter, or to make a joke on Coulter’s own words, let her encourage us to conserve energy when we see her on TV by cutting it off and ignoring her.

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