In a speech before the Log Cabin Republicans, former McCain campaign manager finally tells it as is putting words to what many true Republicans and independents who wish to have a full spectrum of candidates from which to choose have been saying and bemoaning for a while. According to Huffington Post writer, Sam Stein, Schmidt argued "...that the GOP has largely been co-opted by its religious elements." (1) Schmidt goes on to say, "If you put public policy issues to a religious test, you risk becoming a religious party. And in a free country, a political party cannot be viable in the long term if it is seen as a sectarian party." (2) This is a point this ranter has been arguing for months now. In a nation that values Freedom of Religion, a party that adopts religious principles as its foundation, even while calling them the more judeo-christian values, risks alienating everyone else. As Karl Rove worked tirelessly to create George W. Bush and his campaign, he placated the Christian right and, in effect, sold his soul to the devil. The values and positions of the Evangelicals in the USA are not even shared by most other Christians. Meanwhile, they certainly are not shared by most Democrats and Independents the latter of whom tend to take a more moderate approach to all issues. The time has come as has been ranted on before, for the GOP to ascertain exactly whom it hopes to represent. If it's the far-right Christian Evangelicals that tune in to Rush Limbaugh not to laugh at the way he chews up callers who disagree with him but because they need a download of their daily talking points, then change the name of the party. Adopt and become a truly religious party. You'll find in a nation that's founded on the principles of freedom of religion at odds with that choice, but at least it would be honest. Don't lie to these people, get their votes, and turn your back on them as did George W. Bush. Likewise, don't try to co-opt the Tea Parties as if the GOP is anti-taxes after 8 years of squandering our future economic solvency fighting ridiculous wars. Don't authorize the invasion of Iraq while North Korea is test firing missiles that could reach Alaska.

To the Christian Right: You are welcome to your ideals and values, but unwelcome to force them on the rest of us. When God Himself informs us that He put you in charge of public policy, societal morals, and Judgment Day; then, and only then, will we listen to you. For now, we want our country back – one where a diversity of ideas leads to a stronger, more prosperous, and vital nation.
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(1)"Steve Schmidt, McCain Campaign Manager: Religion Could Kill The GOP"
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/17/steve-schmidt-mccain-camp_n_188354.html
[see first external link]
(2) ibid.

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