The Moral Arrogance Of The Religious Rightwing Elite

[ruggerson]

Republicans have scored big political points in the last few cycles demonizing the entire economic and power infrastructure of the East Coast as "Ivory League Elitists," who are supposedly out of touch with "mainstream America."

Rather than respond to this political wedge by trying to out-Republican Republicans on social issues, wouldn't the better strategy be one of strong counter attack?

If they want to pit sections of the country, one against the other, let's turn it around on them. Couldn't we have a potent weapon demonizing religious rightwingers as "moral elitists" who want to control your private family decisions and are out of touch with mainstream American values like freedom, invidividual liberty and equality?

The "Moral Elitists" of the Bible Belt think they know your family better than you do. They think they know what is better for your family than you do. They think they are BETTER than your family.

The entire Western half of this nation was built by a people who honored liberty and individuality and freedom. They would respond to this message en masse, as it speaks to their American values.

The next few elections will be won by Democrats/progressives only if we put together a great coalition of the East Coast (traditional progressives) the West Coast (social progressives) and the Rocky Mountain/Northwest states (libertarian, small government advocates).

The only way we will bring this coalition together is to define the common enemy:

The Moral Elites of the Bible Belt.

They think they know what's right for YOUR family.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. I think that is a good meme

I've lived all my life in the midwest and south, but when I have sojourned to the East Coast I found people to be friendly and not at all elitist. Personally, I enjoy talking with people who know a bit more than me on various subjects, but who treat me with respect, and that is what I found when I went to the East Coast. On the other hand, I have had the misfortune of meeting up with some so-called "Christians" in the Midwest and South (mostly South)who were ready to kill me because of my faith and who talk about how wonderful it would be if everyone had to follow their belief system. Frankly, those kind give me the willies.

[Inland]

2. I agree.

Particularly since people are dead set against someone else raising their kids or telling them how to do it.

[mongo]

3. It's a great thought -- and what needs to be done

I just wonder if the dems can walk the walk -- they might not want to turn America into a theocratic state, but can they walk away from these issues?

Further restricting tobacco sales (putting tobacco under the FDA was a meme during the Clinton years).

Respecting states right's to legalize/regulate marijuanna sales as they see fit. Not really a dem issue, but adopting this position would be a winner with most Americans.

Putting an end to the federal war on porn (made by and for consenting adults).

Sometimes, the left think they know what's right for your family too -- and I wish the dems would abandon this in favor of the right to be left alone. The mind your own business party.

[ruggerson]

4. Fully agree

The Mind Your Own Business Party aligns perfectly with the rough hewn individualism of the Western states we need to tip things our way and cement a majority.

I don't think we need to take positions that Republicans will be able to demonize as out of the mainstream, but, in general, within reason, telling government to mind its own business is a very powerful message.

And a simple, understandable one.

[mongo]

12. I can't take credit for the phrase

I got it from another DU'er -- and I can't remember who.

[Opusnone]

5. Look at this thread:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x344301

DeVos (scAmway), candidate for governor of Michigan, and a fundie, who along with Tom Monaghan (of Domino's fame) have funded many right wing religious "think tanks", call centers and other Tali-bornagain organizations. Anti-poor and sick people, that's all they are.

[Katherine Brengle]

6. their crown prince went to yale for fuck's sake! n/t

[ruggerson]

7. and Phillips Academy n/t

[merbex]

9. Phillips ANDOVER - let's get the name right, old boy!! n/t

[ruggerson]

10. Heh

it's actually just Phillips Academy.

The one north of it, in NH, is Phillips Exeter Academy.

But the original one in Andover is just Phillips Academy. (or you can just call it P.A)

;-)

[merbex]

11. My daughter's best friend's brother goes there - family car sticker

Phillips ANDOVER

Where all the Muffys and Biffs go

[ruggerson]

13. might be a bumpersticker

but it ain't the proper name of the school.

[merbex]

14. It's one of those school stickers with the emblem on it like colleges

have that people put on their rear window

[merbex]

8. Someone on DU (I can't take the credit) has a bumper sticker

which says:

Don't tell me you're a Christian -
Let me figure it out myself