"As the heirs of a secular revolution, American atheists have a special responsibility to defend and uphold the Constitution that patrols the boundary between Church and State. This, too, is an honor and a privilege. Believe me when I say that I am present with you, even if not corporeally (and only metaphorically in spirit...) Resolve to build up Mr Jefferson's wall of separation. And don't keep the faith."
Christians in America are playing the victim to, what they claim, is a secular wave that is turning theists into second class citizens. This is, of course, ridiculous. The Right is ascendant in America, with Evangelicals loudly asserting that there is an impending apocalypse, and that we must put god "back into government" to avoid a disaster of (literally) Biblical proportions; that god is watching us through a microscope, like germs, and considering the use of Lysol if we don't get our moral house in order. Consider these quotes from the increasing popular Rick Perry, Republican Governor and Christian Caliph of Texas:
"Do not tell me that we cannot enforce laws against profanity, laws against blasphemy, law against misusing the Lord’s name. If we can punish somebody for using ‘F’ word, then you can punish somebody for taking the name of God in vain!"
Sweet, Fancy Moses! Here's another,
"I am convinced that the number one group, the number one class of people who are committing hate-crimes today are homosexual activists."
Can these wayward gays be reformed? Perry finds hope in the Good Book,
"The Bible teaches us that a change in sexual orientation is possible. This is a biblical principle. It is a biblical proclamation. It is a biblical assertion.”
My personal favorite of this, or any, election cycle,
"God has set boundaries for nations. These borders are not random, they’re set by God. In fact, we discovered that in American history. We tried a number of times to invade Canada and we couldn’t do it!"
As amusing as these comments are, we need to remember that this pilgrim is a popular newcomer to the field of Republican presidential candidates. I'm not going to waste your time with Palin and Bachmann quotes to bolster my case that religious fascism is a concept with growing appeal to many Americans. You don't need that, just Google their names. It's kind of fun and sad at the same time, like listening to a Tourette's sufferer order dinner. You'll laugh at first, but the more you think about it, the more depressed you will get.
A little Sinclair Lewis quote to close:
When fascism comes to America, it will come wrapped in the flag and waving a cross.
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