I really don't think the GOP is going Fundamenatlist...

[fencesitter]

I think it's just politics. They're just using the fundies to build a massive and potent voting bloc. They know how motivated and insanely focused they are, look what just the e-mailers from one organization like the Family Television Institute (or whoever they are) can do to broadcast media. So, they pander to them, grandstand in the Shaivo case, spout anti-abortion retoric, play up the prayer and God issue, all the time knowing full well that, short of a rewriting of the Constitution or a complete meltdown of the Supreme Court, none of these things will come to pass. The whole "activist judges" frame up is targeted right at this group. Yes, if the repub congress gets their way, we will have more conservative judges and greater restrictions on abortion and all, but how about the "activist" judge in the Shaivo case? He's a conservative Baptist, but he's a judge, and he's held to the law. I believe that over the next two or three years from now, the repubs will tone down the fundamentalist retoric and appear to be more moderate, except for the sporadic outburst to wake up their base. The average citizen will forget the current events, but the fundies won't. They've been captured, they've got their party and the GOP has them, hook line and sinker. Congress could allow allow doctor assisted suicide and I'll bet they wouldn't lose a single fundie next election. Just blame it on those obstructionist Democrats and their activist judges. Just my observation.

[JI7]

1. the problem is that they can't blame it on "obstructionist Democrats"

as they did before because of the 2004 elections. and how they made a huge deal about morals and values giving them victory and power.

i agree it's only about politics much of the time especially when it comes to presidential elections. because the religious right provides a lot of support in terms of ground work during election times and raising money from people who don't even have much to give.

but there is no Democratic President to blame anymore for vetoing the legislation. there is not Dem majority leader to put the blame on anymore.

[napi21]

2. I agree with you. WJ on Cspan this AM had a separate call in

segment for Dems and one for Pubs. I was pleasantly surprised that most of the callers said they disagreed with Shrub on a lot of his policies. Most still claimed to be solidly Pub, but they believe in smaller gov't, smaller debt, and no gov't intrusion.

I heard several say the fundies are just very vocal, thus people think they are a bigger part of the Party than they really are.

I must admit, it was a pleasant way to start my day.

[bryant69]

3. Yes and no

While I think the plan from Karl Rove and President Bush and the RNC is more or less exactly what you say, I think that they will fill the obligation on occaion to "dance with the one what brung 'em." If the Religious Fundamentalists got them their jobs, than the Religious Fundementalists will be comfortable going to them and asking for stuff. And some of the time they will have to do it.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[fencesitter]

5. I don't think they need to really act..

just give the appearence that they're going to act. They can even bring up a bill that will never pass, but it's all in the appearence their on the side of righteousness.

[FreedomAngel82]

7. I agree

I think you're right. It's like when this whole began Tom DeLay spoke to some group saying Terri Schavio was brought to them from God. I wonder if he even believes the crap he spews. Probably not is my guess. Just like with Bush, Cheney and the rest of them. It's all talk. I'm sure a lot of republicans do believe and are religious (in the Senate etc) but their leaders probably don't and it's just lip service. They'll never get rid of Roe V. Wade because if they do what else will they have to run on? :shrug: They wouldn't become democratic lite. So this whole Terri Schavio case is just them keeping their religious base busy and happy. Of course once she dies this could backfire on them. :shrug:

[seabeyond]

4. well we just saw congress pass a bill to an individual

they are doing things, thru process that is fundie

[morcatknits]

6. Don't be too sure,

These nutjobs have waited a century for all this power and attention, and they won't give it up, easily. In fact, the Schiavo case is a good example of how they will try to maintain power by publicity and lies. I would never take it for granted that their influence will wane, so long as they have money to give. More of them are planning to run for office, too. Think how great congress would be with a few more Rick Santorum's.
morcatknits

[Walt Starr]

8. I disagree

I am thoroughly convinced the GOP believes this crap and wants it instilled as law.

[Az]

9. The problem with power

Is you become defined and controled by the power you use. So while the right has found a means to bring the religious right to their fold they did not account for the effect such an action would have on their party.

Prior to the arrival of the religious right the repukes were primarily economic conservatives and corporate wonks. They had little if any concern about social issues. So they didn't care what group they tied themself to if their issue was social issues. And the religious right shared their disgust with a strong federal government and a strong protective court. So the match seemed a natural.

The problem came about once the religious right became the dominant voice within the party. Once given the podium they refused to back down. And because they had to appease them to keep them voting they had no real way to bring them down.

So they have made the devil's deal. And now they have to contend with a boisterous faction within their party that has found new life in the bossom of the economic might of the right.