Do you think that there will be....

[renaissanceguy]

a tremendous backlash against thest RW nuts trying to define everything in their own image (i.e. scientific fact), controlling people's lives and relationships, and establishing a theocracy? I just don't see how people---who are mostly not evangelicals---will let these nuts control them.

[readmoreoften]

1. too late

I think four years from now we'll see a lot of moderate republicans saying: "Yeah, fuck Bush! I mean, I voted for him two times, but I never knew it would come to THIS!"

Or there will be another terrorist attack and people won't notice the legislation passed until their girlfriend needs an abortion.

Tremendous backlash? Nah. Private griping under the breath and a lot of talk about regaining control of the republican party.

[Jackie97]

2. There will be a tremendous backlash....

one day, if they're allowed to have too much control. They're going to have to make our lives completely a living hell first. When life gets unbareable, people will start fighting back. History proves that.

[AndyTiedye]

5. No, It Doesn't.

Please name one example of a theocracy being removed by its subjects.
I cannot think of a single one in recorded history.

The theocratic regime of the Puritans was ended by the royal governor
when they had the audacity to attempt to try his wife for witchcraft.
The governor was able to put a stop to it because he had the British
Navy to back him up.

Historically, theocracies are removed by external forces.

[Ranec]

3. It depends.

So far, all that we have seen is a lot of hectoring, and some nibbling around the edges. That sort of thing tends to be popular.

If they actually implement this stuff (which we shouldn't for a moment allow), then it will be a different story. They don't actually show much eagerness to pass any legislation that may be unpopular.
If they actually succeed in restricting access to abortions or birth control, then I think the backlash will be swift.

My observation is that the repugs have been incredibly cagey (and dishonest). They tout their values program and do nothing about it (or the minimum), and hide their "economic" policies but push through a frightening pro-corporate agenda.

[Donald Ian Rankin]

4. No, I don't

I don't live in the US, but I get the impression that it's not just your leaders who have gone mad. As far as I can tell, a very large section of your electorate is as far right as Bush, or even further.

If this is the case then there is no chance of a backlash; the best you can hope for is a backcreep, as by ones and twos these people realise they are wrong.

If I'm wrong, and it really is a case of a small, vocal minority imposing far-right views on a more reasonable minority, then a backlash is a possibility, but I'm afraid I don't think this is the case.

[witchhazl]

6. I''m just starting to get a clue to how powerful the religious right

really is. From what I see (admittedly probably not much), we're in real danger. I have truly never been so scared as since Nov. 2.

It seems to me there is a real chance "they" are stealing elections. They now have Washington sewn up, and Bush claims his phony "mandate." If we don't fix the elections, well, I'm not sure we've had a democracy since 2000. I look to see them pass some phony "reforms" again that somehow don't address the real issues. But I don't think they'll act so quickly and obviously as to create a really strong backlash -- not from the 50% or so they control/manipulate.

Just look at that tax privacy invasion they just tried to slip in. If they manage to pass the Federal Marriage Amendment -- that's really scary in its long-term implications. Read this from Andrew Sullivan: http://www.andrewsullivan.com/index.php?dish_inc=archives/2004_02_22_dish_archive.html#107783629136536853
(I found it drilling down through some links from Trajan's thread
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=226x225)

My Lord, what's this country coming to . . .?

[consciousobjector]

7. It's really their whole point...

at least the hard core fundies...they believe it's the end time and they will be raptured and those in the church that are left behind will be persecuted...a self fulfillment of prophecy (like David Koresh in Waco...oh he was from Texas too...)

[TaraMoon]

9. Koresh

Unlike most cult leaders who gradually suck people in, Koresh
openly promised his followers a fiery Armaggedon from day one.
They still joined. 

[TaraMoon]

8. I don't share your optimism

Most people are very easily manipulated. They will walk up the
ramp into the cattle trucks fully believing that Bush has
invited them to a BBQ at his ranch and is kindly providing
transportation.

The Democratic Party has not stood up to the Religious Right.
The mainstream Christians have not stood up to the Religious
Right.
There are no indications that either will do so.