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I dunno. This last week really depressed me. To be called a "barbarastreisand" by someone who equated the 15 year odyssey of Terri Schiavo with the systematic murder of millions of people during the second world war (and with pictures of the death camps, just in case anybody missed the connection) was, frankly, a shock. Especially when it became obvious that this wasn't just one person who felt that his Bible trumped our Constitution.

I'm afraid this isn't some mere fraternal squabble between those of a Conservative bent. We're not talking about a free exchange of ideas with a little give and take on the finer points, here.

Since the only political outlet that espouses Conservative values appears to be the Republican party, what we're talking about is what the mission statement of the Party is going to be from here on out.

If it's an advocacy of some sort of theocracy in this country, as what seems to be vaguely alluded to, then it needs to be spelled out, loud and proud.

But if the Republican party is just cynically stringing the ultra-religious wing along for votes, then the leadership better get with the program and make some unequivocal public stand to that effect, because, frankly, the general public doesn't quite know what the party stance is.

Constitutional Conservatism or Theological Conservatism, what have we got here, people?

"The sacred rights of mankind are not to be rummaged for, among
old parchments, or musty records. They are written, as with a
sun beam, in the whole volume of human nature, by the hand of the
Divinity itself; and can never be erased or obscured by mortal
power." --Alexander Hamilton

It's not an "either or" choice. Basic morality, which is, willy nilly, the source of all laws and rules which make human civilization humane and civilized, is essentially universal in nature. To try to erase religion from informing public weal is to commit suicide en masse.

Especially when it became obvious that this wasn't just one person who felt that his Bible trumped our Constitution.

It's a pitiful state to be in when one believes that any type of document trumps the bible. Even secularists or athiests can not logically dispute the fact that the Holy Bible has moved and civilized humanity in an incredible way. The constitution - and Western civlization for that matter - would have been literally impossible without the bible.

Even the half-assed liberals' wouldn't have their version of "morals" if it wasn't for the Word. They just don't realize it.

Educate yourself.

the general public doesn't quite know what the party stance is.

EXACTLY. I don't think the party leadership is brave enough to fight the bloody battle for this country on the floor of the Senate... They'd rather leave it to average citizens they can then denounce so as to pretend to take high moral ground, and stay in office. The party is largely devoid of courage. They are now devoid of my donations, however, I am sure the foreign donations from south of the border are enough to cover the loss of my pittance, and soon, my vote.

Thanks for a great thread BobJ. I hear your words, and hope some vicious hardliners will understand that their behaviour as well as my shared opinion that the Republican party has lost its way, will divide the party and drive many way from participation of any kind. If this sounds good, it's not. There are 'replacement voters' that are only too happy to seize the power of the voting booth, and their agenda, may not be anything close, to the continuation of a tolerant and free society. Thank you JimRob for F/R.