Religious Bigotry in the Republican Party

It pains me to have to go on the record to report bigotry and hatred within my own political party, even by some who claim to be my co-religionists. The only way to get rid of this stuff is to shine a light on it. I want these cockroaches to scurry back into the hole they came from...


I've never seen such religious bigotry and hatred in an election as I have in this Republican primary. My guess is my fellow Republicans have never read the US Constitution. Or, if they have, considered it "just words" on a piece of paper and that the ideas contained therein do apply to them.

Here is a quote from Article VI of that same document:

"...no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States."

I realize that people have the right to personally apply whatever litmus test, including religious ones, in choosing who they will cast a ballot for in elections. But some of these people are trying to imply to people that their vote may cause people to go to Hell.

What set me off was a blog that quoted a statement by Robert Jeffries (a pastor who supported Rick Perry for President) in a post entitled "Why Christians Should Not Vote for Romney", I have excerpted part of it below:

"I think before a Christian could vote for someone who embraced a false religion such as Mormonism, he would need to carefully consider the eternal consequences that electing such a leader could have in legitimizing a false religion and, therefore, endangering the eternal destinies of those who might choose that leader’s religion.” (Robert Jeffress)

I left a comment, which is awaiting moderation from the blog owner. I have posted a screenshot of my comment on that blog to TwitPic in case the blogowner or blogposter does not approve my comment, click here to see it.

John Scrhoeder relays information that Newt Gingrich is campaigning on anti-Mormonism and Sarah Palin (or her staff) is removing any pro-Mormon comments or comments defending religious freedom from her facebook wall, but allowing anti-Mormon comments to stay.

Here are some links to people telling Christians not to vote for Romney because he is a Mormon:

Why Christians Should Not Vote for Romney

Pastor: If You Love Jesus, Don't Vote for Mormon Mitt Romney

The GOP debate over Mormonism breaks into open

FOOD FOR THOUGHT





Here is an interview with Bryan Hall from C-SPAN. His documentary film Article VI: Faith. Politics. America looks at the influence of religion on politics, as well as the challenge that voters face in trying to balance their core beliefs and their political vote.


Conclusion


Please, people...think about what you are saying and writing. You are writing things that go against the very nature of Christianity and what America stands for. 


I am a Christian and I believe that unless Mitt Romney repents and accepts Christ's sacrifice on the cross as the only way to receive forgiveness for his sins, then he will go to Hell and eventually spend eternity in the Lake of Fire. That does not mean I can not vote for him or, if I do, that I will be held responsible for those who become Mormons because Romney is elected President. That's madness. It's hate and it is preaching bigotry and I will take a stand against it. You people have allowed Satan to whisper in your ear and have heeded his words. Repent of that. 


If Romney is the nominee of our party (and I believe that he will be) I will vote for him over Obama because his political views more closely align with mine.

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2012 GOP Candidates Debate in Florida

Due to my busy schedule over the past couple of days, I forgot all about the latest presidential candidate debate that was held in Orlando, Florida. Here is the full debate, one that will probably be remembered as the one that Texas Governor Rick Perry lost the nomination and Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney won the nomination of the Republican Party. 


Rick Perry was the last hope of anyone successfully beating Mitt Romney barring a draft Palin movement that would be the Hail Mary of all Hail Marys. 

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2012 Poll Season Begins: Pew Research Center March 2011 Poll

You can download a copy of the entire poll that the above graphic was swiped from at The Pew Center for Research. It is an interesting read on what people might be thinking.

Commentary

Most interesting to me, is that it shows Mitt Romney as the favorite choice of self-identified Tea Party members as a Presidential candidate. I wouldn't have expected that. Most Tea Partiers I am familiar with seem Starstruck by Sarah Palin, Ron Paul or Michele Bachmann. Mike Huckabee's strong showing was a surprise, also.


My dictum regarding Republican Presidential Primaries is that too many conservatives are choosing to run, most of them claiming the mantle of Reagan. This has had the effect of diluting the conservative vote to allow a more moderate candidate to gain momentum and win the nomination.


The 2008 presidential primaries are a prime example of this, where several conservatives vied for a limited pool of votes. This allowed John McCain, aka King RINO, to waltz to the nomination. Even when it became clear that he was the man to beat, people like Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul stayed in the race, acting as enablers for John McCain to win the nomination.


I see the signs are pointing to a repeat of the same disaster in 2012. Here is the parade of names in consideration, in alphabetical order:  Michele Bachman, Mitch Daniels, Newt Gingrich, Mike Huckabee, Sarah Palin, Ron Paul, Tim Pawlenty, Jim DeMint, Mitt Romney and John Thune. Those are just the most credible of a sea of more than two dozen people under consideration as probable to run. This is far too many.


How did the Republican Party ever get in a situation where there are no hurdles for a campaign to go through in order to prove their viability to run in the presidential primary? What we have is a sea of candidates (AND supporters) who have egos so large that they cannot conceive of a Presidential Primary Season without them participating. 


I think we have people more interested in personal gain than interest in serving the nation. There is nothing wrong with making a living, but to continually leverage gullible voters into cash by writing books, appearing on television, giving speeches and establishing online cash cows, AND running laughable Presidential Campaigns is doing more harm than good to the party, and the nation. Just look what 2008 wrought: President Barack Hussein Obama II. What will 2012 bring? 

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US Senator Lisa Murkowski Poised to Win Write-In Campaign in Alaska

Sen. Lisa Murkowski reflects on success of write-in campaign, her status as a Republican:

Lisa Murkowski attacks Sarah Palin and the Tea Party, calling Alaska her state and bragging of the fact that she and her supporters were able to make their own decisions regarding who to send to the Senate. In a brief interview with Fox News’ Dan Springer at quarter to midnight Alaska time, Murkowski was clearly enthusiastic and in a celebrating mood. Looking energized, Murkowski saw fit to take some potshots at Palin and the organic movement of the Tea Party as a whole, casting them both as outsiders who really didn’t have any business in trespassing in her state and backing Joe Miller. While her comments smack a bit of Republican establishment elitism, from her standpoint, she does have reason to brag, or, at least, be very optimistic. She’s actually on the verge of being only the second individual to win a write-in campaign for the Senate.

Source: The Examiner "Lisa Murkowski attacks Palin and Tea Party; calls Alaska her state"


With 76% of the vote in, The total write-in tally (most of it assumed to be for Republican Lisa Murkowski) is 81,876 (41%); Republican Joe Miller has 68,288 (34%); and Democrat Scott McAdams has 47,414 (24%). If Us Senator Lisa Murkowski wins, it will only be the second time a US Senator has won on a write-in campaign.


I can't help but wonder what this means for former Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin, who endorsed Joe Miller and campaigned heavily for him. Several Tea Party groups from the lower 48 states also endorsed Joe Miller and campaigned heavily for him. I must have received over a 100 emails and a dozen phone calls from various Tea Party groups urging me to donate money to his campagn.

I am glad that the seat remians in Republican hands.

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The HildaBeast Polls More Qualified than Obama, Romney, Gingrich, or Palin to be President

This is a nightmare scenario!!!


Here are the numbers:

Candidate	Qualified	Not Qualified	Not Sure
Hillary Clinton	57%	34%	8%
Barack Obama	51%	44%	5%
Mitt Romney	49%	32%	20%
Newt Gingrich	35%	48%	17%
Sarah Palin	26%	61%	13%

Source: Rasmussen Reports
Hat Tip: Drudge Report


It is still a year away from serious campaigning, but I think that this poll does indicate that the republicans do have some serious trust issues with the average voter. This is something they need to work on. It is a good thing that Barry is such a screw-up...otherwise we might not stand much of a chance getting a republican the next time around.

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Sarah Palin Endorses RINO in California Primary

Graphic swiped from Texas Fred, who has an interesting article about Sarah. Read it.

Sarah Palin waded into the California Senate race on Thursday, endorsing former Hewlett-Packard Chief Executive Carly Fiorina, a Republican, over another candidate who has curried favor with conservative grassroots activists.

“Please consider that Carly is the conservative who has the potential to beat California’s liberal senator, Barbara Boxer, in November,” Palin said on Facebook.

Fiorina is in a tough race against moderate Republican Tom Campbell and Chuck DeVore, who has garnered support from Tea Partiers.

Source: The Daily Caller

Commentary

Are you surprised? Seriously, she has endorsed one of the biggest RINOs of all time, John "King of the RINOs" McCain.

I don't think she realizes that we will remember if she makes a run for President in 2012. 


The real conservative in the California primary is Chuck DeVore. 


Note: I officially broke with Palin when she endorsed John McCain. 




Previously...

Senator John McCain Versus the Arizona GOP

Chris Simcox Drops Out of US Senate Race;
Endorses J.D. Hayworth's Run Against John McCain

The Case Against John McCain in 2010
Or, The Top Eight Reasons to Defeat John McCain

Joe the Plumber:
Against John McCain AND Sarah Palin

John McCain: Enemy of the Conservative Grassroots

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Mitt Romney Wins GOP Presidential Straw Poll

The Southern Republican Leadership Conference had a straw poll that the Paulbearers weren't able to steal with their mobbing action. I hope that this marks the beginning of the end of such childish antics by those anarchists.

Initial Choice
(If the primary election for president were held today, for whom would you vote?)


Mitt Romney 24% (439)
Ron Paul 24% (438)Sarah Palin 18% (330)
Newt Gingrich 18% (321)
Mike Huckabee 4% (80)
Mike Pence 3% (58)
Tim Pawlenty 3% (54)
Rick Santorum 2% (41)
Gary Johnson 1% (3)

Given the distortion presented by the Paulbearers at such events, I think that we can completely ignore the presence of Ron Paul as a contender in 2012. I doubt that he would even match his results in 2008 this time around. Especially since Ron Paul finishes very poorly as a second place choice. I think it also makes it clear that Mike Huckabee should probably stay out of the race in 2012. I'm also gratified to see Gary Johnson finish poorly. He is a guy that could carry the insane Ron Paul agenda to the White House if we aren't too careful...


The straw poll had a question asking for the second choice. This is a good question, because it serves to indicate depth of support a candidate has for those who have someone else as a favorite. Gingrich, Palin and Romney are those candidates. Santorum, Pawlenty, Johnson and Paul are not. 


This is the field fared on the second question...

Second Choice
(Who would be your second choice in the Republican Primary Election for president?)
Newt Gingrich 20% (339)
Sarah Palin 20% (332)
Mitt Romney 14% (242)
Mike Huckabee 11% (178)
Mike Pence 8% (141)
Rick Santorum 7% (125)
Tim Pawlenty 7% (114)
Gary Johnson 6% (104)
 Ron Paul 6% (98)


The Republican Party has a long history of nominating the guy who came in second in the last nomination contest, and it is my belief that 2012 will be no different. The GOP Nomination for 2012 is his to lose, especially since Palin and Paul will be splitting the vote of those who might look to support anyone but Romney. 


It will be interesting to see how this plays out over the next couple of years.

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Public Policy Polling: GOP Contenders Closely Matched

Public Policy Polling has released a poll of Republicans to gage support among Mike Huckabee, Sarah Palin, Ron Paul and Mitt Romney and found the field very close. Here is how they rank according to this poll:


28% Mitt Romney
24% Mike Huckabee
23% Sarah Palin
11% Ron Paul
09% Undecided
06% Someone Else


Hat Tip: Public Policy Polling
Related: Download the PDF of the poll

Commentary

We still have a year before people start getting serious and eighteen months before the primary campaign begins in earnest...a very long time in politics. We have to get through 2010 first.

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The Case Against John McCain in 2010 Or, The Top Eight Reasons to Defeat John McCain

Photo Credit: A McCain Barf Bag I made during the 2008 Primary to express my disgust

Get ready for a epic rant, because I've received another plea for help from John McCain, despite repeatedly indicating my animosity toward his re-election campaign.


Here is the latest plea from Senator McCain:

My Friend, 

Throughout my life I have faced many challenges that have tested my character and my values. I have met each of these challenges with resolve because I believe that service to our country is my calling in life. I have long said that I owe America more than she has ever owed me and I never doubt that our country is the greatest in the world. 

Today, we face perilous challenges that threaten our nation's economy and security. We are being led down a dangerous path as the current Democratic leaders continue to spend at an unprecedented rate. I have been the leading opponent against them, fighting everyday against wasteful spending and government expansion. However, if I am to continue fighting for our shared values, I must win reelection to the United States Senate. 

I want you to know that I never take any election for granted, and this will surely be the toughest reelection battle I've ever faced. Today, I'm counting on your support for my campaign. Your endorsement means a great deal to me and today, you can show your support by following this link to add your name to the growing list of men and women supporting my campaign. 

I am thankful for each and every person who extends a hand in friendship as I campaign for reelection. I'm proud to have the support of such strong conservatives like Governor Sarah Palin, Grover Norquist, Bill Bennett, and my Arizona colleagues Senator John Kyl and Congressmen Jeff Flake, John Shadegg and Trent Franks. I'm also proud to announce the support of 31 mayors from across Arizona who joined my campaign this week. 

I hope I can count on you to join them by adding your name to our online list of supporters. Please follow this link to add your name today. [link deleted] 

Unfortunately, my primary opponent chose to launch his campaign this week with a litany of lies calling my record of service into question. So I'd like to set the record straight. I'm a fiscal conservative. I'm the one who has fought against earmark projects that my opponent has supported. My opponent's relationship with the disgraced lobbyist, Jack Abramoff led the voters of hisCongressional district to vote him out of office in 2006. And if he is elected to the U.S. Senate, it will be a substantial setback for the conservative values you and I share. 

Today, I sincerely hope you will stand with me by endorsing my candidacy. [link deleted] After adding your name, I ask that you make a generous contribution of $25, $50, $100, or any amount up to the legal limit. Your support, regardless of the amount, will enable me to spread the truth about my record of service across Arizona. 

My friend, this race will be tough, and I believe that I have to earn the votes of the people of Arizona in order to return to the Senate. If you stand with me today, I pledge that I will continue to fight for our shared conservative values. I am a man of my word, and when I make campaign pledges, I keep them. I hope you will show your support for my campaign today. Thank you.

Sincerely,

John McCain, aka The RINO (see photo)

P.S. I never take any election for granted, and I know I must earn the votes necessary to return to the Senate. I am grateful and humbled by the outpouring of support I have received thus far. But, I need to know that you stand with me as well. Will you follow this link to sign our online endorsement form? [link deleted] Your immediate support means a great deal to me. After signing the form, you will be given the opportunity to make a financial contribution to my campaign. Any amount you can give up to the legal limit is greatly appreciated. 

Commentary

 (go grab a cup of coffee and settle in for an epic length post, at least by my standards)

Let me start this rant off by chastising the people he's listed as endorsing him: Governor Sarah Palin, Grover Norquist, Bill Bennett, Senator John Kyl, Congressmen Jeff Flake, John Shadegg and Trent Franks.


What are they thinking??? Why on earth would these conservatives lend their name to a RINO who has damaged the Republican party worse than perhaps any other Republican in a generation? Their names are sullied, stained and brought low by their association with Senator John McCain as supporting his re-election bid. 


John McCain has been in elected office since 1982, when he won the race to become a US Representative. He won re-election in 1984 and in 1986, won an election to the US Senate, where he has been ever since, having won re-election bids in 1992, 1998, and 2004. 


He has been in the US House for 4 years, in the US Senate for 24 years for a total of 28 years spent in our nations capital as an elected official. It is time to retire this guy. 


Here are the major reasons I oppose Senator John McCain's re-election for a fifth 6 year term as a Senator from Arizona:




#1 McCain-Feingold Campaign Finance Reform (Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act)


The act was designed (according to  McConnell v. Federal Election Commission) two issues:


 The increased role of soft money in campaign financing, by prohibiting national political party committees from raising or spending any funds not subject to federal limits, even for state and local races or issue discussion; (this was a violation of Free Speech & a censorship of political speech)


The proliferation of issue advocacy ads, by defining as "electioneering communications" broadcast ads that name a federal candidate within 30 days of a primary or caucus or 60 days of a general election, and prohibiting any such ad paid for by a corporation (including non-profit issue organizations such as Right to Life or the Environmental Defense Fund) or paid for by an unincorporated entity using any corporate or union funds. (this was also a violation of the principle of Free Speech and a Censorship of Political Speech in favor of incumbent politicians)


Part of this act has recently been overturned by the Supreme Court, and I expect most of the rest will eventually be overturned by future courts.




#2 Support of Gun Control Legislation and Banning Small Arms


John McCain supported several efforts in the late 90's to restrict American Second Amendment Rights and even wanted to ban 'cheap handguns' and force people to keep forearms locked up in the privacy of their own homes. He supported legislation that would send a person to prison for traveling through a school zone with a firearm in their vehicle or taking a 15 year-old target practicing with a firearm. 


See "John McCain's Gun Control Problem",  "John McCain  is a Liberal Gun Grabber", and the "GOA's Take on John McCain" (includes a graded score card) for more information.




#3 John McCain's Record Against Tax Cuts and Progressive-style Class Warfare Rhetoric Against Capitalism and the Free Market


He opposed George W Bush's tax cuts in  the 2000 election and in 2001 and 2003, saying "I don’t believe the wealthiest 10% of Americans should get 60% of the tax breaks. I think the lowest 10% should get the breaks", "I am disappointed that the Senate Finance Committee preferred instead to cut the top tax rate of 39.6% to 36%, thereby granting generous tax relief to the wealthiest individuals of our country at the expense of lower- and middle-income American taxpayers" 


For more information, read "John McCain's Top 10 Class-Warfare Arguments Against Tax Cuts", "McCain Switched on Tax Cuts".




#4 Climate Stewardship Act (proposed by John McCain and Joe Lieberman in 2003, 2005, and 2007 Obama was a cosponsor of the 2007 attempt)


The act (if passed) would have capped Carbon Dioxide emissions and crippled US Industry. 


For more information, download PDF's of the proposed legislation according to version (click on the year), 2003, 2005 and 2007. The list of co-sponsors reads like a who's who of RINO Senators and Progressive Democrats...birds of a feather when it comes to proposing legislation that would cripple America Industry if enacted.




#5 The Gang of 14


His membership and leadership of the Gang of 14 in 2005 was the leading factor that destroyed the Republican Party's ability to campaign on Democrat obstructionism in 2006 and cost the Republicans their majority in Congress and (ironically enough) led to the victory of Barack Obama in 2008.


For more information, read "McCain and the Gang of 14" and "The Road Not Taken: Forfeiting a Majority". 




#6 Comprehensive Immigration Reform (first introduced in 2005 as the Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act [download PDF], and re-introduced as The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006 [download PDF])


I do not even know where to begin to address all the ways these two bills would have been disastrous for America. The first one was never voted on, and both led to a large uprising of opposition in the Republican Party that rang the phones off the hooks in Washington, DC and filled the email and voicemail boxes of members of Congress to capacity. 


Co-sponsors were Ted Kennedy, Lindsey Graham (who earned the nickname "Grahamnesty" over his participation, and read like a who's who of Progressive Democrats and Progressive Republicans.


The legislation would have allowed Illegal Aliens to jump in line in front of immigrants who had been following the law in becoming citizens of this nation. It would have prohibited state and local law enforcement agencies from assisting federal law enforcement in enforcing immigration law and would have made every town and city in America Sanctuary Cities. Think about that.


#7 Voted for the 2008 US Senate $700 Billion Bailout Bill  (‘‘Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 [download PDF)]


The bill had billions of dollars in earmarks for everything from Wool Research, Wooden Arrows, and Auto Racing Tracks, not to mention that it would have rewarded the poor decision making of businesses and punished business that made smart decisions.


For more information, read "Senate Passes Economic rescue Package", "McCain Says Bailout bill Must Pass".




#8 He is not really a conservative. 


The Almanac of American Politics rates congressional votes as liberal or conservative on the political spectrum, in three policy areas: economic, social, and foreign. For 2005–2006, McCain's average ratings were as follows: the economic rating 59 percent conservative and 41 percent liberal, the social rating 54 percent conservative / 38 percent liberal, and the foreign rating 56 percent conservative / 43 percent liberal.


The American Conservative Union rates John McCain as the 39th most conservative Senator, with  Chafee (formerly R-RI), Collins (R-ME), Snowe (R-ME) and Specter (R-PA) the only Republicans scoring lower than him and more than one Democrat scoring ahead of him. [Download a PDF of the ACU Report] Or, read "McCain's ACU Ratings" for a basic run-down of the ratings given McCain.


So those are the most important reasons conservatives should be seeking to defeat Senator John McCain in 2010.


Further, I would call upon those formerly esteemed conservatives to drop their support of his re-election bid before their names and reputations suffer irreparable damage.

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Joe the Plumber: Against John McCain AND Sarah Palin

Joe the Plumber is no longer a fan of either Sarah Palin or John McCain, it seems.


Joe, also known as Sam Wurzelbacher, told an audience in Pennsylvania this week that McCain "is no public servant."


"McCain was trying to use me," Wurzelbacher said, according to public radio correspondent Scott Detrow. "I happened to be the face of middle Americans. It was a ploy.”
"I don’t owe him s—," Wurzelbacher continued. "He really screwed my life up, is how I look at it.”


In fact, Wurzelbacher's dislike for McCain is so strong that he no longer supports Sarah Palin simply because Palin will campaign for McCain's re-election.

Source: Fox Nation

Commentary

I don't think that Sarah Palin has a clue at how much conservatives dislike John McCain. I've stopped supporting her because of her efforts to campaign for him in Arizona. An effort, if successful, would put one of conservatism's biggest enemies back in the US Senate for another term of six years.


For those who have very short memories of the damage that John McCain has done to us in the past...allow me to refresh it for you:


John McCain and Russ Feingold [profile via the Progressive SourceWatch] teamed up to give us the Unconstitutional McCain-Feingold Campaign Finance Reform that restricted political speech, part of which has recently been overturned by the Supreme Court. I pray that the rest of dies a similar death at the hands of either the Supreme Court or a new conservative majority in Congress that will right this wrong.


John McCain and Ted Kennedy (the Liberal Lion of the Senate) teamed up to try to give us Comprehensive Immigration Reform that would have given amnesty to millions of Illegal Aliens. Only a full-court press by Talk Radio and millions of conservatives stopped it.  Even Sarah Palin is on record as supporting a path to amnesty for Illegal Aliens. Read Digger's report on that interview if you don't believe me.☞ [Sarah Palin supports Amnesty]


And who can forget John McCain's Gang of 14 Senators? I'll let Hugh Hewitt explain it:

On April 15, 2005 --less than three months after President Bush had begun a second term won in part because of his pledge to fight for sound judges-- Senator McCain appeared on Hardball and announced he would not support the "constitutional option" to end Democratic filibusters. Then, stunned by the furious reaction, the senator from Arizona cobbled together the Gang of 14 "compromise" that in fact destroyed the ability of the Republican Party to campaign on Democratic obstructionism while throwing many fine nominees under the bus. Now in the ruins of Tuesday there is an almost certain end to the slow but steady restoration of originalism to the bench. Had McCain not abandoned his party and then sabotaged its plans, there would have been an important debate and a crucial decision taken on how the Constitution operates. The result was the complete opposite. Yes, President Bush got his two nominees to SCOTUS through a 55-45 Senate, but the door is now closed, and the court still tilted left. A once-in-a-generation opportunity was lost.

Here are a few bloggers and articles on why John McCain MUST be defeated:


A Certain Slant of Light


Resist Net


Sic Semper Tyrannis


Free Republic (read the comments from conservative activists)


I hope that will help you understand why John McCain MUST be defeated this year and sent to pasture. It is my hope that most of those foolish enough to support him will carry the stain of their errors for years to come...

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