Suddenly popular Kathleen Parker is continuing on her new shtick: pretending to be conservative while bashing conservatives. Her latest effort in this gig is this Washington Post column titled, "Giving Up on God." As you can see, it resembles the fake "advice" that liberals often give to Republicans but in this case it is coming from somebody supposedly conservative. So let us now watch Parker with her latest bid to remain popular with the Georgetown party set (emphasis mine):
As Republicans sort out the reasons for their defeat, they likely will overlook or dismiss the gorilla in the pulpit.
Three little letters, great big problem: G-O-D.
I'm bathing in holy water as I type.
Story Continues Below Ad ↓
Yes, sacrilege will earn you plaudits from your newfound liberal friends but don't expect to continue fooling people into thinking that you are conservative. That ship sailed weeks ago.
To be more specific, the evangelical, right-wing, oogedy-boogedy branch of the GOP is what ails the erstwhile conservative party and will continue to afflict and marginalize its constituents if reckoning doesn't soon cometh.
Simply put: Armband religion is killing the Republican Party. And, the truth -- as long as we're setting ourselves free -- is that if one were to eavesdrop on private conversations among the party intelligentsia, one would hear precisely that.
And how often was religion invoked by Republicans during the last election campaign? However, Parker is on an "oogedy-boogedy" roll in pleasing her liberal readers.
The choir has become absurdly off-key, and many Republicans know it.
But they need those votes!
So it has been for the Grand Old Party since the 1980s or so, as it has become increasingly beholden to an element that used to be relegated to wooden crates on street corners.
History as conveniently rewritten by one Kathleen Parker.
Short break as writer ties blindfold and smokes her last cigarette.
Her last smoke as a professional martyr with a huge chip on her shoulder.
Which is to say, the GOP has surrendered its high ground to its lowest brows. In the process, the party has alienated its non-base constituents, including other people of faith (those who prefer a more private approach to worship), as well as secularists and conservative-leaning Democrats who otherwise might be tempted to cross the aisle.
Here's the deal, 'pubbies: Howard Dean was right.
It isn't that culture doesn't matter. It does. But preaching to the choir produces no converts. And shifting demographics suggest that the Republican Party -- and conservatism with it -- eventually will die out unless religion is returned to the privacy of one's heart where it belongs.
Hmm... And they said Ronald Reagan needed to "expand his base" yet he won two landslides in a row.
Religious conservatives become defensive at any suggestion that they've had something to do with the GOP's erosion. And, though the recent Democratic sweep can be attributed in large part to a referendum on Bush and the failing economy, three long-term trends identified by Emory University's Alan Abramowitz have been devastating to the Republican Party: increasing racial diversity, declining marriage rates and changes in religious beliefs.
Suffice it to say, the Republican Party is largely comprised of white, married Christians. Anyone watching the two conventions last summer can't have missed the stark differences: One party was brimming with energy, youth and diversity; the other felt like an annual Depends sales meeting.
Does anybody else out there picture Parker giggling to herself as she thinks up the latest snarky shots to earn her brownie points from her liberal audience?
With the exception of Miss Alaska, of course.
Uh-oh! Remember, it was Kathleen Parker's attack on Sarah Palin that first drew attention to this writer. She became so addicted to the accolades that she just can't stop.
Even Sarah Palin has blamed Bush policies for the GOP loss. She's not entirely wrong, but she's also part of the problem. Her recent conjecture about whether to run for president in 2012 (does anyone really doubt she will?) speaks for itself:
"I'm like, okay, God, if there is an open door for me somewhere, this is what I always pray, I'm like, don't let me miss the open door. Show me where the open door is.... And if there is an open door in (20)12 or four years later, and if it's something that is going to be good for my family, for my state, for my nation, an opportunity for me, then I'll plow through that door."
Let's do pray that God shows Alaska's governor the door.
The liberals are sure to show you the door if you ever write like an authentic conservative again.
—P.J. Gladnick is a freelance writer and creator of the DUmmie FUnnies blog.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
P.J. et al:
November 19, 2008 - 15:05 ET by Noel SheppardP.J. et al:
As much as it pains us to watch Parker move further and further to the left, it is becoming quite clear that this is a good business strategy for her. Suddenly, she's significantly more popular than she was two months ago before making her McCain made a mistake with Palin remarks. Now, she's in great demand for interviews, and will likely make a lot more money.
Is she selling her soul though? You tell me. ns
"Is she selling her soul though? You tell me..."
November 19, 2008 - 15:14 ET by PrairieSkyYou bet she is! Parker is a total sell-out. She, for whatever reason (probably monetary, as you alluded to), has decided to throw whatever conservative principles (if she ever had any) and character, right out the window in an attempt to cash in and stay on the political in-crowd's invitation lists.
Pathetic.
"...peace is the highest aspiration of the American People. We will negotiate for it, sacrifice for it, we will never surrender for it, now or ever." President Ronald Reagan~ January 20, 1981
godless RINO's are the GOP's problem
November 19, 2008 - 15:15 ET by TruthMongerthe godless RINO's just lost the election and yet REAGAN'S EVANGELICAL BASE IS THE GOP'S PROBLEM?!?!?
humbly speaking for my oogedy boogedy friends and such - if God be for us who can be against us?
so I sleep soundly and peacefully at night, kathleen:)
P.S. thank you for your very public admission of guilt here - and may your godless RINO friends also publicly stand up for their allegence to the dark lord - so far you got alot more balls than most of your "male" rino buddies, toots
Dominate education now
But yet I'm trying to
November 19, 2008 - 15:29 ET by Mr. Shot ShotBut yet I'm trying to remember which candidate for President had advertisements with him standing in a pulpit with a cross behind him, sent flyers to pastors and reverends asking them to talk with their congregations, and was quoted as saying he took direciton from Jesus.
Oh right, Obama.
But hey, we all know he really didn't mean it - wink, wink - he was just trying to get those crazy Christians to vote for him.
If it matters
November 19, 2008 - 15:45 ET by cvgbuckeyeIf it really matters to anyone, I know of no other sin that is treated as "unforgiveable" in the Bible, than the sin of blasphomy. I believe that is what she is doing. When she stands before judgement, not mine, I hope that she has a good answer, for her sake.
I do not know what that answer could possibly be. Without God, there is nothing else, not politics nor anything else.
Enough said.
Noel - I am disappointed---
November 19, 2008 - 16:12 ET by misterbillNoel - I am disappointed---in Kathleen. I had been a long time fan. Most of her columns were politely conservative.
I know I am old fashioned, but it is betrayal. I agree with a couple of thing she said, but not all. I also disagree with the way she wrote it. It was a flat out attack on Palin, Christians and Conservatives and quite unnecessary. It is nothing but kissing up to the other side.
Soul Selling? Duh....
November 20, 2008 - 00:07 ET by bpjamThe only part which is puzzling, at all, is that Parker isn't ugly.
Feminism and the lefty chicks who so violently hate Palin and anybody like her are typically ugly and that is why they turned to that man hating ideology. Parker must be incredibly insecure as a person to want to attack people of faith and blame others who she supposedly were her friends.
And her insecurity is now being placated by the 'important people' who are now embracing her for her recriminations against her former friends. She can pretend that she is no longer 'different' or 'unusual' and that now she finally fits in.
No conservative feels like they fit in with the powerful types on TV or the rest of the media. But the ones who are actually confident in their own beliefs and have come by them based on actual thoughtful consideration wouldn't change their belief system simply to get on TV and have highly visible people like Andrea Mitchell validate your importance and intellectual brilliance.
It's like when an ugly girl finally gets attention from the other popular girls and the athletic boys and she will do anything to keep herself in the popular cliche. She'll continue to say anything to do anything necessary to keep the popular kids from shunning her now that she has had a taste of being one of the cool kids.
But, again, it's usually the ugly ones who fall for this the quickest. There are virtually no attractive women on the Left side of the intellectual debate. But they've are in such a super-majority in the media that they can avoid being treated like the trolls they really are.
Let Parker keep her popularity and when we take back Congress we'll let her tell us about how wrong we were all along. But in the meantime, she can't get her soul back and we shouldn't pretend that she has.
Her words drip with liberal
November 19, 2008 - 15:08 ET by ForeverOnTheRightHer words drip with liberal words of contempt for people of faith, specificaly Chrsitians. <sarc on> Conservative, yeah right, like Hitler really loved Jews, it was just those who worked for him that didn't. <sarc off>
God worked wonders for our
November 19, 2008 - 15:24 ET by TruthMongerGod worked wonders for our founders, and the civil war, great depression, world wars 1 and 2, the cold war...
abortion, porn, gambling, drugs, idol worship - the farther we drift from God the worse our nation continues to deterioriate...
Dominate education now
I don't recall which
November 19, 2008 - 16:52 ET by ForeverOnTheRightI don't recall which founding father said it, I think it was Washington, I can't quote it but, it was something like that "democracy dose not work without Christianity." It's no wonder that things are falling apart, the secular media and law makers etc. are pushing America further away from God.
America requires morality -
November 19, 2008 - 17:09 ET by TruthMongerAmerica requires morality - cannot ever exist without it
Dominate education now
Yes, and a morality not
November 19, 2008 - 17:31 ET by ForeverOnTheRightYes, and a morality not based on secular humanism. Secular Humanist "morality" is like shifting sand, wherever the wind blows it takes it's shape accordingly. I vote for Judeo-Chrsitan morality, it's tried and true.
there is only one morality
November 19, 2008 - 19:57 ET by TruthMongerthere is only one morality - the one of which you speak
Dominate education now
God is Bad?
November 19, 2008 - 15:09 ET by Kirk TurnerIn what type of civilization is religious belief a bad thing??
Think about it
none - civilization
November 19, 2008 - 15:19 ET by TruthMongernone - civilization requires God - He invented it
civilization is based squarely upon morality
Dominate education now
Answer
November 19, 2008 - 17:22 ET by Kirk TurnerReligion is bad in a civilization that is dead
The liberals are sure to
November 19, 2008 - 15:12 ET by bigtimerThe liberals are sure to show you the door if you ever write like an authentic conservative again.
Right you are PJ...it's too late for her to turn back now...even if she wanted to, which I do not think that would ever happen anyway...unless pigs start flying.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
bt...Too late...
November 19, 2008 - 15:44 ET by PrairieSkyYou bet it's too late. Even if this loathsome woman wanted to turn back, she has trashed whatever credibility she ever had as a conservative columnist. I have no use for her.
She's done.
"...peace is the highest aspiration of the American People. We will negotiate for it, sacrifice for it, we will never surrender for it, now or ever." President Ronald Reagan~ January 20, 1981
Hi Sky... Yep...stick a
November 19, 2008 - 17:35 ET by bigtimerHi Sky...
Yep...stick a fork in her...she's done.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Howdy bt...Oh yeah...
November 19, 2008 - 17:46 ET by PrairieSkyBig time...She's cooked.
"...peace is the highest aspiration of the American People. We will negotiate for it, sacrifice for it, we will never surrender for it, now or ever." President Ronald Reagan~ January 20, 1981
She's lost her clout with
November 19, 2008 - 15:16 ET by semolina_filcherShe's lost her clout with the real conservative crowd. Who cares what she thinks?
Orbis non Suffici
Poor Kathleen.
November 19, 2008 - 15:21 ET by Mike BrattonIf you're a Christian, please pray for her.
"Religion," Kathleen, might belong in "the privacy of one's heart," but you've missed out on something in your screed: Christianity isn't a religion.
I know you want to broom us back to the sidelines, but it doesn't work like that. As Christians, we are called by God to have an impact on the broader culture. And if Gov. Palin feels led to run in 2012, then it's her responsibility to run.
Hmm... I was just thinking, Kathleen, how your reception wouldn't be the same from the libs if you wrote something hoping that "sexuality is returned to the privacy of one's bedrooms where it belongs." Somehow, I don't think the homosexual lobby of the Democrat/Socialist Party would respond well to that observation, do you? Yet you think that Christians involved in Republican politics should just shuffle off into the shadows?
How very tolerant of you.
--Mike
www.thebrattonreport...
well said:) Dominate
November 19, 2008 - 15:24 ET by TruthMongerwell said:)
Dominate education now
If Christianity isn't a religion
November 19, 2008 - 19:51 ET by skinny malinkythan what is it?
it encompasses everything -
November 19, 2008 - 19:55 ET by TruthMongerit encompasses everything - bigger than a religion
anything other than Christianity is certainl just a religion
some would say "Christian religion" is the rituals that we practice - this is not entirely inaccurate
Dominate education now
In a word?
November 19, 2008 - 23:02 ET by Mike BrattonChristianity is a relationship.
--Mike
www.thebrattonreport...
God save us all from "...white married christians..."
November 19, 2008 - 15:33 ET by PrairieSkyWhat a miserable woman Parker is.
"Suffice it to say, that the Republican Party is largely comprised of white married christians..." Oh heaven help us all!
Well, as one of the "white married christians" that she seems to have such a problem with, I have news for Ms. Parker...White, married christians have largely been responsible for establishing and building this country into what it is today.
Maybe Parker would be happier living in a non-white, non-christian country like Saudi Arabia, or Iran. Maybe they would suit her more.
P.S. to Ms. Parker-Don't let the door hit you in the a$$ on the way out...
"...peace is the highest aspiration of the American People. We will negotiate for it, sacrifice for it, we will never surrender for it, now or ever." President Ronald Reagan~ January 20, 1981
she's praying to a
November 20, 2008 - 22:55 ET by TruthMongershe's praying to a different God - and her odds are not good
Dominate education now
Let me summarize. . .
November 19, 2008 - 15:31 ET by WingletDriverMs. Parker would like to see all people who live out their faith (as opposed to a Kennedy-style religionist) completely disenfranchised. Nice advice.
"One party was brimming with energy, youth and diversity; the other felt like an annual Depends sales meeting." Let's look at BHO's friends and new political allies: Jeremiah Wright, Jesse Jackson, Warren Christopher, Madeleine Albright, William Ayers, Rashid Khalidi, Franklin Raines, Hillary Clinton (our new Sec State?), John McCain (our new Sec Def?), Ted Kennedy and Joe Biden. Yes, Ms. Parker, there's a spry bunch of hipsters. And, oooh, so diverse. You have an America-hating Black preacher, a civil-rights Jew-hating con man, a paleolithic Washington insider, another fossil more famous for her brooches than her accomplishments as Sec State, an American-born America-hating Jew-hating terrorist/teacher, a foreign-born America-hating terrorist/teacher, a man convicted of looting public monies, a failed primary rival who looted the White House, a failed general election rival, a plagiarist who gallantly left a woman to drown, and another plagiarist/failed primary rival/proven liar walking-foot-in-mouth hair-plugged buffoon. These are the folks BHO is surrounding himself with. Diverse? I guess fome believe all Americans should be killed and some believe that they should only be forcibly converted to Islam. Young? Energetic? I'd like to see who you party with, but only out of morbid curiosity.
Thank you WingletDriver
November 19, 2008 - 15:34 ET by HeavyChevyI could not form the words that's why I had such a brief response below but you summed it up for me.
Good One WD
November 19, 2008 - 15:48 ET by jistincaseI laughed so hard on that one I almost had to use my depends.
Beautiful Winglet...
November 19, 2008 - 16:39 ET by JPR1but can you fire that off after three shots of Cuervo? :-)
Sorry, JPR1
November 19, 2008 - 16:47 ET by WingletDriverI don't drink. I'm using one hand to cling to my gun and the other to my religion.
Actually, unlike a lot of people, I realize I am not better looking, smarter, wittier or more likable after a couple of rounds. So, I don't blog while drinking.
Smart man Winglet,
November 19, 2008 - 17:33 ET by JPR1my Cuervo days are way in the past and are largely responsible for my moderate drinking habits now.
Sad...
November 19, 2008 - 15:31 ET by HeavyChevythat's about all I can say she is a sad sad human being and I pity her.
Heavy...I agree that she is a sad human being, but...
November 19, 2008 - 15:36 ET by PrairieSkyI have NO pity for Parker.
She isn't worth my pity....My scorn, derision, and dismissal, yes. My pity, NO.
"...peace is the highest aspiration of the American People. We will negotiate for it, sacrifice for it, we will never surrender for it, now or ever." President Ronald Reagan~ January 20, 1981
I tell you what Prairie...
November 19, 2008 - 18:23 ET by HeavyChevyLet's say these nuts finally get what they want and God has been removed out of EVERY equation and the world falls deeper into Chaos can't wait to see who they blame for it this time.
"9 out of 10 doctors agree that flag burning is the number one killer of liberals."
Heavy...I think we are well on our way...
November 19, 2008 - 20:03 ET by PrairieSkyto falling deeper into the Chaos that you mentioned. Obama's election and the consequences that will result from that will hasten that fall. His being elected is seen by the secular leftists as confirmation that their viewpoint of the world is right, and it has and will embolden them.
And whether the people in this country realize it yet or not, none of this is good for America or the world.
"...peace is the highest aspiration of the American People. We will negotiate for it, sacrifice for it, we will never surrender for it, now or ever." President Ronald Reagan~ January 20, 1981
Prairie... You can now
November 19, 2008 - 20:08 ET by Clear thinkerPrairie...
You can now watch how this has been planned... Teach Your Children Well . The connections to what this guy has to say, and the way the left has been used, explains how we have gotten to this point.
Making Fun of AGW http://giovanniworld.wordpress.com/
Clear...Thanks...
November 19, 2008 - 21:41 ET by PrairieSkyfor the great link...
I'm still having trouble wrapping my head around the fact that Obama is actually going to be president as of January 20th. The list of red flag warnings about him went ahead of Obama like a parade, and yet, the American people either couldn't or didn't want to see them.
I still can't believe it.
"...peace is the highest aspiration of the American People. We will negotiate for it, sacrifice for it, we will never surrender for it, now or ever." President Ronald Reagan~ January 20, 1981
Why do the nations rage [1]
November 19, 2008 - 15:32 ET by Ken ShepherdWhy do the nations rage [1]
and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying,
3 “Let us burst their bonds apart
and cast away their cords from us.”
--Psalm 2:1-3
Our Murtha
November 19, 2008 - 15:35 ET by KC MulvilleOnce they taste celebrity, they can't turn back. Jonah Goldberg has a nice response on The Corner on National Review.
As for the content of her article, it's lame. Does anyone think that if the GOP just stops opposing abortion, vast numbers of Democrats will flock to their side? Ridiculous. Historically, the opposite is true. Reagan brought a lot of Democrats over to the GOP by opposing the social liberals. Social conservatism wasn't the only factor for all of them, but it was enough of a factor for enough of them. It certainly didn't drive Democrats away in 1980, so where's the proof that it drove them away in 2008?
Parker gives herself away when she proclaims how religion ought to be "kept private." That's simply stupid. Again, you have to make the distinction between religious authority being used to intimidate others, which everyone opposes, versus using your vote to promote your values, which is the essence of voting. After all, who can seriously claim that evangelical preachers are going around, intimidating voters? Who's afraid of Rick Warren?
When she insists that you should keep your religion private, she's saying that she doesn't want you to vote your values. That's somehow "imposing" religion on others (a laughably stupid criticism). So, if not our values, what are we supposed to base our vote on? Personality? The details of a healthcare plan (which candidates make up as they go along)? And after all, who the hell is she to tell us why we should vote?
One last thing: it's the essence of self-deception to consider yourself brave for enduring criticism. When anyone says "I'll take the heat for that," all they're saying is that they won't change their minds no matter what anyone else thinks. That's the same as saying that you won't listen to criticism. They're taking pride in shutting their ears. That isn't bravery.
Not surprising...
November 19, 2008 - 15:41 ET by mattm"...when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" Luke 18:8b
God will smite her when the
November 19, 2008 - 15:45 ET by TD in FLGod will smite her when the appropriate time comes due to her vanity. I went over to the WaPo to read some of the comments to the article; of course, 90% of them were from intolerant liberals. From what I could tell, many of them were upset out of frustration. Frustration that they do not understand why many in the GOP continue to push the God thing. If there were to first understand religion and let it become a part of them, the light bulb would turn on. Until that happens, they will not have a clue. Their attacks are a normal response to someone doing or supporting something they do not comprehend. Religion teaches us about morality, being selfless. To the liberals, apparently that's a bad thing.
TD in FL...
November 19, 2008 - 16:00 ET by PrairieSkyWith all due respect, and I agree with the gist of what you said, I don't think that Republicans "push the God thing." For christian Republicans, it is about who we are...it is about what we believe. Elements of our faith influence what we think and who we support politically.
This is, apparently, what so many on the left (and Ms. Parker ) just are not able to understand.
"...peace is the highest aspiration of the American People. We will negotiate for it, sacrifice for it, we will never surrender for it, now or ever." President Ronald Reagan~ January 20, 1981
exactly whats wrong with the
November 19, 2008 - 16:56 ET by smoto66exactly whats wrong with the teachings of christ and the ten commandments even if were wrong and their is no god the message is of peace and goodwill . we have allowed the morals in this country to slide sice the sixtys and rhings havent gotten better but worse.
Parker asserts: "Simply
November 19, 2008 - 16:08 ET by TEParker asserts: "Simply put: Armband religion is killing the Republican Party. And, the truth -- as long as we're setting ourselves free -- is that if one were to eavesdrop on private conversations among the party intelligentsia, one would hear precisely that. "
Here, Parker employs one of the favorite techniques used by Parker's adoring, leftist useful idiots in the Washington press corps, to wit: alleging that "privately" so-called "Republicans" "say" that the Republicans should adopt the positions of the Democrat party base (i.e., the pagans, the atheists, the tree huggers, the earth worshippers, the Marxists, the socialists, the race baiters, the flag burners, the draft dodgers and the fundamentalist homosexualists). Of course, neither Parker nor any of her adoring, leftist useful idiots in the Washington press corps ever provide any evidence to support their allegations about what those alleged "Republicans" "say". Evidently, even a dimwit like Parker understands that the thinking community recognizes that her "Republicans" (e.g., Andrew Sullivan, Lawrence Korb, David Gergen, David "Gergen" Brooks and Kathleen Parker) are not Republicans.
She had a face lift and
November 19, 2008 - 16:08 ET by Delsalost her mind!
GOD is a problem?
GOD is the Answer!
wrong r-i-n-o s are the
November 19, 2008 - 16:47 ET by smoto66wrong r-i-n-o s are the problem not the base with out the religious right what party do we have dems light please these people are nuts and want to force us slowly left
smo... Exactly...and they
November 19, 2008 - 16:55 ET by bigtimersmo...
Exactly...and they never learn...this was infuriating to me.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Arianna Huffington
November 19, 2008 - 16:55 ET by allanfDoes anyone remember the conservative Ariana Huffington? Some value the attention more than principle. Enjoy yourself Kathleen.
allanf... I certainly
November 19, 2008 - 16:59 ET by bigtimerallanf...
I certainly do...did you happen to ever watch NET television, lord I wished it was still going and would of had the money to keep going, one of the few times I wished I was very wealthy, I would of helped big-time...Paul Weyrich ran it...anyway, Arianna was going to have her won show on it called Beat the Press..when she was a conservative...lol!
Long story what happened with that all, her husband (Michael?) at the time had to call into the show and try to cover for her ect ect...I felt sorry for him, it was when he was running in Ca. to-boot.
She is a phony, always has been.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Motiviation
November 19, 2008 - 17:02 ET by allanfI think people like Huffington and Parker a motivated more by group membership and social acceptance rather than rational poltical discussion.
Kathleen, where in the 2008 Republican Platform
November 19, 2008 - 16:55 ET by Jaykeis there any mention of God? Maybe you just don't like the section that addresses MAINTAINING THE SANCTITY AND DIGNITY OF HUMAN LIFE. This section quotes directly from the Declaration of Independence not the bible. You really don't even have to believe in God at all to understand that abortion is the termination of a living sentient being against its will. Where is the unborn's choice? It's all about abortion with these people.
Didn't she mean...
November 19, 2008 - 17:03 ET by littlemissmuffin"Three little letters, great big problem: G-O-D."
Didn't she mean to say: Four little letters....a la Biden? LOL
Selling your soul to the devil is non-revocable, unless you have Daniel Webster as your attorney.
"If we conservatives moved to those seven non-existent States, the government couldn’t find us and tax us to death!"
Funny,
November 19, 2008 - 16:58 ET by HillbillyKingthat P.J. didn't include this part of Parker's piece in his post;
Meanwhile, it isn't necessary to evict the Creator from the public
square, surrender Judeo-Christian values or diminish the value of faith
in America. Belief in something greater than oneself has much to
recommend it, including most of the world's architectural treasures,
our universities and even our founding documents.
But, like it or not, we are a diverse nation, no longer
predominantly white and Christian. The change Barack Obama promised has
already occurred, which is why he won.
Among Jewish voters, 78 percent went for Obama. Sixty-six percent of
under-30 voters did likewise. Forty-five percent of voters ages 18-29
are Democrats compared to just 26 percent Republican; in 2000, party
affiliation was split almost evenly.
The young will get older, of course. Most eventually will marry, and
some will become their parents. But nonwhites won't get whiter. And the
nonreligious won't get religion through external conversion. It doesn't
work that way.
Given those facts, the future of the GOP looks dim and dimmer if it
stays the present course. Either the Republican Party needs a new base
-- or the nation may need a new party.
I mean, if your gonna bash someone as a sell-out, then shouldn't you have the guts to bash their entire piece? Seriously, if Parker has completely sold out, why do her pieces have to be cherry picked for the most "damning" parts?
The lack of an intelligent disassembling of Parkers opinion, as opposed to what was offered, is rather dissappointing.
In the end, I can't help but wonder, given the reaction she has garnered, if this is another example of PDS, you know, Parker Derangement Syndrome?
If you make people think they're thinking, they'll love you; But if you really make them think, they'll hate you.
Don Marquis 1878-1937
OK, HillbillyKing...You want to disassemble Parker's...
November 19, 2008 - 18:08 ET by PrairieSkyopinion? Let's start with her facts...She says that "...like it or not, we are a diverse nation no longer predominately white and christian."
Wrong...Flat wrong.
According to the US Census Bureau as of 2005, 80.2% of the US population is white. As for the religious breakdown, also as of 2005, 80% of the US population is christian. So the premise that she bases her opinion and argument on is faulty on both counts.
"...peace is the highest aspiration of the American People. We will negotiate for it, sacrifice for it, we will never surrender for it, now or ever." President Ronald Reagan~ January 20, 1981
who cares if we are more
November 19, 2008 - 18:35 ET by TruthMongerwho cares if we are more "religiously diverse" anyway? Christianity is still be under no obligation to water down or tone it down - if people find it offensive - FANTASTIC - it's made that way by design...
they didn't nail up Jesus for toning it down did they?
This is the rino problem - trying to be all things to all people - BS - everyone needs to become Christians - the sooner the better - that's the only way we are designed to live...
Dominate education now
Thank you PrairieSky....
November 19, 2008 - 21:14 ET by HillbillyKingfor showing everyone how simple it is to demolish Parker's arguments with fact.
Imo, that's all it takes to discredit the validity of anyones opinion. Ridiculing someone is great fun, but proving that their full of sh!t is much sweeter.
It's just my opinion, and we all know what opinions are like :-) , but I believe that those that post articles here should include the facts in the pieces they write. Many non members peruse this site and I feel that if all they see are name calling hit pieces that don't offer the hard data that effectively dismisses the intended target of the piece as worthless for further consideration, then how are we any better than what we do battle with?
Anyway, thanks for the reply.
If you make people think they're thinking, they'll love you; But if you really make them think, they'll hate you.
Don Marquis 1878-1937
HillbillyKing...You make...
November 19, 2008 - 22:09 ET by PrairieSkysome valid points. I do think though, as P.J. stated in this thread, that he had brevity in mind when he wrote his post.
That said, I do think that the majority of what has been said here about Ms. Parker and her recent comments/columns is not intended as mindless ridicule. From experience and time spent here at NB, I believe that most of what has been expressed stems from a deep and real frustration with the relentless anti-conservative, pro-liberal bias in the media.
Kathleen Parker has been considered one of the rare conservative voices in the media, and her recent comments attacking Republicans, conservatives, and Sarah Palin in particular, have been seen, I think understandably, as a form a betrayal and rejection of what Republicans and conservatives believe and stand for.
"...peace is the highest aspiration of the American People. We will negotiate for it, sacrifice for it, we will never surrender for it, now or ever." President Ronald Reagan~ January 20, 1981
that P.J. didn't include
November 19, 2008 - 17:57 ET by Dan The Man 2that P.J. didn't include this part of Parker's piece in his post - I imagine space and brevity are considerations. The reader may be lost when too long and there is consideration teh intent. We are happy you brought it out and it only confirms Parker is certainly a conservative poser.
Nuke em til they glow then shoot em in the dark.
Brevity
November 19, 2008 - 18:07 ET by P.J. GladnickUsually I don't post the entire article. Only excerpts. That's why a link is provided so you can check it out in its entirety.
Thank you,
November 19, 2008 - 21:22 ET by HillbillyKingMr. Gladnick for the explanation.
I understand brevity issues. However, I feel that you would do your case greater justice if you were to include a critique of the entire piece.
I am in the minority in this though, given the nature of the responses your piece has elicited.
Thank you for taking the time to reply.
If you make people think they're thinking, they'll love you; But if you really make them think, they'll hate you.
Don Marquis 1878-1937
Confusion or hypocrisy?
November 19, 2008 - 18:19 ET by JPR1"Belief in something greater than oneself has much to
recommend it,..."
But one had better not let ones beliefs color ones political positions in any way??
Gorillia in the pulpit... bathing in holy water ???
We're looking at a once skilled writer resorting to smarmy, sophomoric tripe to secure her place in the New Lib Media.
Both, JPR, both.
November 19, 2008 - 21:38 ET by HillbillyKingParker's effort at justifying her "position" is really quite poor.
If you make people think they're thinking, they'll love you; But if you really make them think, they'll hate you.
Don Marquis 1878-1937
That it is HK,
November 19, 2008 - 22:16 ET by JPR1she should really make-up her mind.
Faith should never be trifled with. There may be a shred of validity to her point.
Who is she?
November 19, 2008 - 16:58 ET by flyoverlandI wish I could care about her opinion, but we don't even know who she is out here in Flyoverland. And, we don't care.
First Amendment 101
November 19, 2008 - 17:19 ET by lotrSo, what's she saying then, that conservative minded people need to STFU?
The last I time I checked, the First Amendment of the U.S Constitution reads as follows:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. [emphasis mine]
Note how the freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly and petition are all linked together. Although this point seems to have been lost by the college educated of our day, this was not by accident -- it is not merely a rambling list of seemingly unconnected rights thrown mindlessly together by lopey-dopes.
No, they are inextricably linked -- one cannot have a "freedom of religion" without having the other freedoms alongside it -- these other freedoms are, in fact, corollaries.
To say that one must keep one's deeply held beliefs and worldview (aka, religion) at bay, to say that it must be "returned to the privacy of one's heart where it belongs," is to effectively deny any true freedom of religion. For one cannot say they truly believe in something without acting on those beliefs.
These are dangerous sentiments that this Turncoat is advancing, namely that anyone holding a traditional Judeo-Christian (Western) worldview had better STFU, lest the secular retribution of the "enlightened" decend upon them. Let's just say that it will not have been the first time in history that Christians and Jews have been thus warned.
And one by one dropped the revellers in the blood-bedewed halls of their revel, and died each in the despairing posture of his fall. -- Edgar Allan Poe
Excellent, lotr.
November 19, 2008 - 21:43 ET by HillbillyKingFor what it's worth, I for one truly enjoy and applaud a great post.
Corollaries, indeed.
Well done.
If you make people think they're thinking, they'll love you; But if you really make them think, they'll hate you.
Don Marquis 1878-1937
Hey thanks Hillbilly (love
November 19, 2008 - 23:16 ET by lotrHey thanks Hillbilly (love the name, btw). It's always good to know one's posts are read and appreciated. Keep the faith, brother.
And one by one dropped the revellers in the blood-bedewed halls of their revel, and died each in the despairing posture of his fall. -- Edgar Allan Poe
The miracles continue
November 19, 2008 - 17:20 ET by pgrossjrSo, it would appear that the new messiah can not only make the oceans recede but lead the lost from the wilderness. Any illusion that Parker is anything other than your typical member of the media should now be smashed. it is obvious that she is just like BO and believes strongly in whatever the popular opinion of the moment is. Perhaps Mathews "thrills" are contagious.
Has anyone found the "God" section in the 2008 Republican
November 19, 2008 - 17:25 ET by LJSALAZARPlatform yet? I looked and I couldn't find it. I think that people who believe in the Judeo-Christion God are drawn to the republican party for their stances like individual liberty and small government not that they want to force belief in God down anyone's throat.
Parker the Liberal Democrat
November 19, 2008 - 17:45 ET by GothampcIf I didn't read this article with my own eyes, I wouldn't believe Kathleen Parker could be that stupid.
1. John McCain, not evangelical Mike Huckabee, won the nomination.
2. When well known evangelical pastor John Hagee supported McCain he was thrown under the bus.
3. The only debate that McCain showed up for mentally was the Saddleback Church Forum.
4. There was talk among Evangelicals that they were either going to stay home on Election Day or hold their nose when voting McCain. That is until the charming Sarah Palin showed up and gave Evangelicals a reason to vote.
What Ms. Parker wants to do is throw all values out the door. She's become just like the liberals who want to win by any means necessary. A house divided against itself cannot stand!
One question for this irrlelavant bitch
November 19, 2008 - 18:24 ET by BobAnthonyWERE YOU EVER CONSERVATIVE TO BEGIN WITH?!?!?!
For the record, I am NOT RECOGNIZING BARRACK HUSSEIN OBAMA ODINGA AS
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES! I would like to become part of a
secession front!
Not being familier with Parker's past writting
November 19, 2008 - 18:55 ET by c5thenI'd say she sounds more like an opportunist than either a conservative or a liberal. No true conservative could possibly change that far this fast, so she could not have been a conservative in the first place. If she indeed labels herself a "conservative" then she is without doubt a RINO which is the primary problem with the GOP (her column not withstanding).
The adage says that we get the leaders that we deserve. Well the left and the media have given us Obama and the 3rd Clinton administration (because he doesn't know any other people to appoint because he HAS NO EXPERIENCE). And the independants and the moderates have allowed it to happen because they have bought the drivel coming out of the media as reality. I just hope that the punishment only lasts one term and we can begin the recovery in January of 2013 (assuming that we last that long).
Hey, I got the wrong "CHANGE"!
Alan Keyes / Sarah Palin - 2012
c5... If she is a
November 19, 2008 - 19:11 ET by Clear thinkerc5...
If she is a Republican, she may very well be a RINO. However, if she is a Conservative, she is a traitor to the cause!
Teach Your Children Well
Making Fun of AGW http://giovanniworld.wordpress.com/
Sorry, I got this from GOD...
November 19, 2008 - 19:01 ET by CapeCodScottMatthew 7:15
"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves."
'Oh! Kathleen,' Sarah said, 'what big ears you have!'
'All the better to hear you with, my child,' was the reply.
'But, Kathleen, what big eyes you have!' she said.
'All the better to see you with, my dear.'
'But, Kathleen, what large hands you have!'
'All the better to hug you with.'
'Oh! but, Kathleen, what a terrible big mouth you have!'
'All the better to eat you with!'
www.ScottOnCapeCod.com
"Most men lead lives of quiet desperation"... until they get fed-up enough to finally say something about it!
Miss Parker... You just
November 19, 2008 - 19:08 ET by Clear thinkerMiss Parker...
You just don't get it, you dumb twit. It is those in the GOP that stray from Conservative values, one being a strong belief in GOD, that are destroying the party. PEOPLE LIKE YOU!!!
Teach Your Children Well
Making Fun of AGW http://giovanniworld.wordpress.com/
ahem
November 19, 2008 - 19:48 ET by candanceThe passage of Prop 8 shows us some pretty strong evidence that conservative values work when they're unabashedly promoted. Now the scramble is on to cover that up and insist that religious conservatives are irrelevant.
Peace is war and war is peace.
Welcome to change we can all believe in....
I'm a typical white person.
Sold Out Her Soul
November 19, 2008 - 21:33 ET by oilcanI guess if KP ever came down from her mountain top perch to mingle with us low brow praying conservatives and our two keg three pig barbeque, she'd be pretty put off me. I eat with my fingers, I spill beer out the side of my mouth and wouldn't hesitate to nurture a nearby tree instead of walking three blocks to stand in line for a porta potty. I'm not very refined and education, so I'm sure she'd feel like I wasn't good enough to belong to her "Party."
But, I can tell you that it doesn't take much for me to get excited about my party. Things like God, country, patriotism, love, brotherhood, sisterhood, truth, honesty, forgiveness, patience, determination, loyalty, family, devotion, tolerance, respect, humility, my Flag and a good talker.
You show me those things and I'll carry water from the moon. Ronald Reagan did that for me, so too does Sarah Palin.
Amen! Very well
November 19, 2008 - 21:37 ET by Clear thinkerAmen!
Very well said.
Teach Your Children Well
Making Fun of AGW http://giovanniworld.wordpress.com/
Gosh...all those prayers to G-O-D unanswered!
November 19, 2008 - 21:56 ET by Uberconet al,
Before you go into attack mode...think for one moment.
If G-O-D was listening to your prayers, G-O-D being all-powerful, why did G-O-D allow Obama to win?!?
If all of you lead righteous lives and believe your morality trumps all who oppose your views, why did G-O-D allow Obama to win?!?
If G-O-D is always on the winning side, why did G-O-D allow Obama to win?!?
Could it be G-O-D didn't listen to the fools of false prophets and the morally corrupt?!?
Obama has been married to the same woman for 19 years, has raised two children, and has used his intelligence and faith to become the 44th President of the United States of America...maybe G-O-D created a winner and defeated the evil-doers who would want create more strife in the world...
As Kathleen Parker wrote,
"In similarly childish behavior, those disappointed by Obama's election are slapping
the heretics who expressed doubts about the McCain/Palin ticket. It's
their fault that Obama won.
Good thinking. And turning on the kitchen light creates a roach problem."
"Among probable causes
for the GOP defection, conservatives might consider the right's
tendency these days to banish into the darkness those who were merely
looking for the light."
Just my two cents...
Not that it matters, the social conservatives have a real problem...I'm glad they don't see it. Enjoy the darkness.
Übercon
"Yes, We can!" President-Elect Barack Obama
We appreciate the anti-Christian bigotry, Uber.
November 20, 2008 - 10:21 ET by Mike BrattonAnything else would be surprising.
"If G-O-D was listening to your prayers, G-O-D being all-powerful, why did G-O-D allow Obama to win?!?"
Because, at the end of the day, any Christian prayer to God can (or, at least, should) boil down to this sentiment: "Thy will be done." Since God's will is direct and permissive--there are things He insists upon, and things He allows--very often He permits things to happen that we can't fathom.
"If all of you lead righteous lives and believe your morality trumps all who oppose your views, why did G-O-D allow Obama to win?!?"
That question is a herring, thanks. At the end of the day (again), our righteousness is as important as filthy rags. And no fellow believer I know considers morality to be a card game, with Christian morality being a trump card.
To the contrary, we understand that human morality in and of itself is garbage; our advocacy is not to play card games with morality, but to share the impact God has on human lives through the intercession of Jesus Christ. Any morality we possess stems from our relationship with Christ, not the other way around.
"If G-O-D is always on the winning side, why did G-O-D allow Obama to win?!?"
You confuse battles with war, and justice with mercy. God has allowed the United States as a whole to reap the just rewards of her moral drift. I pray for Obama, and for this nation, that the gathering storm clouds are blown away.
--Mike
www.thebrattonreport...
Still clingin'...
November 20, 2008 - 13:19 ET by UberconMikie,
Wassup?!?
Since you're paid to talk and not to think, I'm astonished at your ignorance and illogic. Does G-O-D talk to you? Those voices in your head must be getting loud. Hopefully by reading this comment I can cut through the voices and show how your statements are so true and factual.
For instance...
"Because, at the end of the day, any Christian prayer to God can (or, at
least, should) boil down to this sentiment: "Thy will be done." Since
God's will is direct and permissive--there are things He insists upon,
and things He allows--very often He permits things to happen that we
can't fathom."
I gather you would feel comfortable in only believing social conservatives like yourself have G-O-D's ear. My question would be- How many Christian Obama supporters prayed to G-O-D for change and Obama's victory? It seems their prayers were answered and as you have pointed out- "Thy will be done"(...on Earth as it is in Heaven.)
"Any morality we possess stems from our relationship with Christ, not the other way around."
Ummm...Are you to say the only people with moral standards on this entire planet are Christians?!? You call me a religious bigot?!? Mikie, you are too funny...I'm so glad Obama won with G-O-D's approval. Keep prayin' and clingin', it looks like its workin'...you betcha! Palin 2012!!!
Übercon
"Yes, We can!" President-Elect Barack Obama
"I know you can Obama especially with my help!" -G-O-D
Is that all you have?
November 20, 2008 - 22:40 ET by Mike BrattonDisparagements and diatribes?
Poor fellow. These are discussion boards. The disparagement and diatribe boards are at places like Kos and Huffer's; perhaps you'd get more atta-boys if you posted your bigotry there, and saved your substantive observations for here.
You did ask one decent question, loaded though it may have been. Obviously, no, I didn't suggest that non-Christians are without moral standards. The difference, as I made clear previously, is that Christian morality is a top-down, objective morality, rather than the internally generated, subjective, situation-driven version most folks employ.
To amplify, we conform our lives to God's guidelines (with His impetus and guidance), as opposed to making things up as we go along. It's what compels us to meet bigotry such as yours with honest responses, instead of in-kind verbal Molotovs. And it's what compels us to pray for Barack Obama. As a former pastor of mine used to say, there's nothing wrong with him that a good dose of salvation can't cure.
--Mike
www.thebrattonreport...
well done mike - right on
November 20, 2008 - 22:52 ET by TruthMongerwell done mike - right on the nose
oy the ignorance of ubercon - poor fellow - has my pity
for my part I'm proud to insist that Christians are the only group on earth adhering to moral standards - there is only one true set of morals for humankind - and civilization cannot continue to exist without them
other groups may also coincidentally adhere to them - but they originate with God
Dominate education now
Uber
November 20, 2008 - 10:25 ET by MrShyWhy are you such an insufferable, pompous, obnoxious weenie?
Oh, right, I know why. You're a liberal in the 21st Century.
You're the next contestant on...
THE MESSIAH IS... LEFT !!
Uberdink
November 20, 2008 - 11:48 ET by lotrIn response to your diatribe (that I first tried to ignore), I have a counter-question:
If there is no God, then why should you care?
Oh, and sorry to rain on your "enlightened" modernist parade, but these questions have all been asked and acknowledged, time and again, thousands of years before you ever even came into being. Off the top of my head:
"But as soon as they were at rest, they again did what was evil in Your sight. Then You abandoned them to the hand of their enemies so that they ruled over them. And when they cried out to You again, You heard from heaven, and in Your compassion You delivered them time after time."
-- Nehemiah 9:28
Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason."
"Skin for skin!" Satan replied. "A man will give all he has for his own life. But stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face."
The LORD said to Satan, "Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life."
So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. Then Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes.
His wife said to him, "Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!"
He replied, "You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.
-- Job 2:3-10
In the end, it's not about Obama the man -- quite frankly I find him to have quite a likable personality (at least his media persona, for I have not met the man). His voice is not the sound of fingernails on a chalkboard to me, like the Clintons.
Frankly, I, for one, think it's great that the voters have proven that this country is no longer collectively racist toward African Americans.
The problem however, is what will this man do as president. Will he stand for the dignity of human life? I pray that he does.
And one by one dropped the revellers in the blood-bedewed halls of their revel, and died each in the despairing posture of his fall. -- Edgar Allan Poe
Do ya' think?
November 19, 2008 - 22:15 ET by pbthinkerDo you think that Kathleen gets a thrill up her leg, when Chris Matthews says she's smart? I'm sure that, right after the Palin attack, she got a ton of praise from liberals all over the place. She was probably wondering why she did all that conservative writing.
Democrats: Stuck on Stupid since 2000.
Like I said before...Ms.
November 19, 2008 - 22:23 ET by msh1973Like I said before...Ms. Parker can kiss my GOP behind. She is no more a "conservative" than I am a "liberal".
Not PMS
November 19, 2008 - 23:23 ET by BW222Kathleen Parker is far too old for that.
BW222