Republican: Democrats Demonize Christians

[quaoar]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/06/20/AR2005062000993.html

By ANDREW TAYLOR
The Associated Press
Monday, June 20, 2005; 6:11 PM

WASHINGTON -- A Republican congressman accused Democrats on Monday of "denigrating and demonizing Christians" by concluding there was religious intolerance at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

During debate on a proposal by Democrats that would put Congress on record against "coercive and abusive religious proselytizing" at the academy, Rep. John Hostettler, R-Ind., criticized Reps. Steve Israel, D-N.Y., and David Obey, D-Wis.

"Like a moth to a flame, Democrats can't help themselves when it comes to denigrating and demonizing Christians," Hostettler said.

Democrats leapt to their feet and demanded Hostettler be censured for his remarks. After a half-hour's worth of wrangling, Hostettler retracted his comments.

[HuckleB]

1. HuckleB: Demon Republican's Disguise Fails.

They say the Devil comes in many disguises... and John "Satan" Hostettler blew his cover today. "Republicans leapt to their feat to pound his horns back into his head. All news of the incident has since been mysteriously retracted."

[Lydia Leftcoast]

2. A large part of the problem is that fundies have appropriated the

term "Christian" to refer only to themselves. Not everyone is aware of this fact, so when non-believers (like a Soviet emigre classmate of mine) encounter only fundies representing themselves as Christians in the media, they naturally develop a strong antipathy. On the other hand, less-informed mainstream Christians hear "the Democrats are prejudiced against Christians" and they think it means THEM.

[Iowa]

14. Exactly!

"Fundies have appropriated the term "Christian" to refer only to themselves", and they aren't even true Christians! It is not possible to be a Republican today and be a real Christian - you simply cannot be both at the same time.

If I wanted to destroy Christianity, here's what I'd do:

--I'd create a quasi-Christian "religion".
--I'd install demagogues as its leaders - people like Oral Roberts, Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, Jimmy Bakker, Jimmy Swaggert, and all the thousands of self-proclaimed "preachers" with 8th grade educations who emulate them.
--I'd tie these fake religions to a fascist political party.
--I'd fill their churches with backward, weak, easily influenced, poorly educated, and semi-literate people (from the same stock that makes up the KKK).
--I'd organize them into a powerful political movement.

Fundies aren't Christians, they're dupes in a fascist political movement, and real Christians should be outraged that they use the term "Christian" to describe themselves.

[Cyrano]

3. How about a Constitutional Amendment banning

"so called" christians from congress?

Yeah, I know it would be against everything this country stands for. But then, doesn't that define the "christian" right?

I guess that the best thing I have to say about them is "fuck 'em and the horse named hypocricy they rode in on."

[Media_Lies_Daily]

4. Only fanatical Fundie Christians....because they are demons.

[Dover]

18. And you can't 'demonize' the devil.

:evilgrin:

[socal_dan]

5. I think the Demons are a great group that add to the world's diversity.

Now that the GOP has told me I think Christians are Demons, I think they are right.

I think Human-Demon relations should be a top priority in 21st century politics. There's much we can learn from each other from a shared understanding and communication. I'm also against the bad publicity Demons have been getting for centuries, and think it's time to put a new face on an old grudge.

[VegasWolf]

44. Exactly, time for everyone to kiss and makeup! Demons too! nt

[LaurenG]

6. I'm a Christian and a Democrat

So how is this possible? Democrats do not like bullshitters. Neo con Christianity is NOT Christianity at all. The agenda and BS that they proclaim is the waste product of the ugly minds of crazy mixed up people.

Neo Christians are babes, they don't know what they are doing. They are afraid that Christ will punish them all because they bought into the words of a mortal neo-con preacher. They are the ones who don't think for themselves. Republican congressman Hostettler who do you think you are?

Like a moth to a flame these people will send themselves to hell because they are so afraid to THINK outside the neo con dogma. They are brainwashed pathetic human beings. Shame on ALL of them.

[susanna]

47. I call them neo-Christians, too.

They have usurped the mantle of Christianity for their decidedly un-Christian words and deeds. "...by their fruits ye shall know them."

To break the spell, they ought to sit and meditate on Christ's words and deeds for a refresher course in what Christian means.

[puddycat]

72. I think liberal Christians at least attempt to exemplify Jesus' teachings

Although I'm from a Christian background I admit to being really pee-ohed at Christianity right now because 99% of the churches have done nothing to stop this massacre in Iraq, in fact it seems the opposite.
I'd say Bush's fake Christianity and this latest regressive Pope have really just made me angrier.

But I do have to give kudos to liberal Christians, at least they attempt to worship Jesus, his Sermon on the Mount means something to them, and they have their priorities straight. Right-wing "Christians", like the ones in North Carolina who kicked all the Kerry supporters out, do not seem to follow Christ at all, not in word, act or deed.

We're living in a sick sick sick sick society, with Republicans being the sickest of everyone. At least the rest of us know we are flawed--hell, you can't find a Republican who can ever admit to a mistake.

[Name removed]

7. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Wright Patman]

8. The Southern Baptist pastors

have been demonizing the Democrats for years, decades even.

And it has worked like a charm. Every state in which the SBC is dominant is solid red.

[NAO]

48. Where is our centuries Ingersoll (he went on the stump against xianity)

I really wish someone like Ingersoll would emerge and make a massive, rational, persuasive attack on the dogmas of the Christian religion.

Ingersoll was famous in the late 19th century. He was a great orator who lectured and drew huge crowds. He ridiculed Christianity and subjected it's teachings to rational analysis. He "de-converted" countless people from Christianity and made them into Freethinkers.

The Churches hated him and attacked him constantly, but wherever he spoke, many people were freed from the mental slavery of orthodox creeds.

I don't think the Democratic Party should be "anti-Christian" any more than the Republican party should be "pro-Christian". Political parties should stay out of religion.

But the Freethinkers of the world need to unite, organize, and evangelize to counteract the influence of religion.

The Writings of Robert Ingersoll - The Great Infidel
http://www.infidels.org/library/historical/robert_ingersoll/index.shtml

[quaoar]

49. They also preach

that women should be subservient to their husbands.

[Mythsaje]

9. It's not wrong to be prejudiced

against assholes because no one was BORN an asshole.

Being an asshole is a CHOICE.

[Initech]

10. And Republicans dont demonize us, either.

:sarcasm:

Look at that fat, drug-addicted piece of crap who's on the radio for six hours a day every day.

[Tweed]

11. "Democrat: Republicans Demonize Homosexuals"

By ANDREW TAYLOR
The Associated Press
Monday, June 20, 2005; 6:11 PM

WASHINGTON -- A Democratic Underground Poster accused Republicans on Monday of "denigrating and demonizing Homosexuals" by concluding there was sexual orientation intolerance at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

During debate on a proposal by Republicans that would put Congress on record against "coercive and abusive sexual orientation proselytizing" at the academy, DU poster Tweed, D-IL., criticized all Republicans in one swoop.

"Like a moth to a flame, Republicans can't help themselves when it comes to denigrating and demonizing Homosexuals," Tweed said.

Republicans leapt to their feet and demanded that Tweed's remarked be broadcast to the people. After a half-hour's worth of wrangling, Tweed decided to post this parody on DU.

[indepat]

12. Christians who put partisan politics before Christ deserve to be demonized

for the are reichous and mendacious hypocrites of the worst kind.

[UCLA Dem]

13. How 'bout they demonize us!!!!

[Cha]

15. If the boot fits...

take a hike!

[struggle4progress]

16. I think John Hostettler is a witch. I just saw this story, and then ..

.. I found curdled milk in my refrigerator. I don't think Cotton Mather will object if we sent John Hostettler down to Guantanamo to interrogate him about his witchcraft ...

[geniph]

66. Throw him in the water!

If he floats, he's shit and should be flushed. If he sinks and drowns, he's innocent of witchcraft.

[JerseygirlCT]

17. Wish I could say "unbelievable"

it ought to be, but it's not anymore.

I'm sick to death of the same people who've given Christianity such a bad name accusing others of this sort of thing. The thing these Republicans call "Christianity" is a far cry from what most people practice. It's radical right in its politics and theology -- unorthodox to the core. It's about hatred and separation, not love and forgiveness.

I want to hear from Democrats loud and clear about this one. Loud, clear and often!

[mom cat]

19. Please don't demonize witches.....Witches heal!

[JerseygirlCT]

21. Did I miss something

unintentional in my post?

Or is this a joke that just went right over my head?

I'm confused!

ETA: Ah, yours was meant for the post above mine... now I see.

[VegasWolf]

45. Exactly, how dare they compare christians to those wonderful witches! nt

[Occulus]

55. true, but what happens when

people who legitimately call themselves Christians start hearing things far-right neocons might say from the pulpit on Sunday?

What happens if that occurs? It has, you know.... and probably more often now than we would believe in some places.

What is the overall effect upon Christianity in the US if they start believeing that because it's coming from both the political and religious spheres?

I'm only asking; I don't have answers, but I do think it may result in the kind of resentment we've heard lately against Christianity in general lately. It also appears that that particular flavor of faux-Christianity is a phenomenon found only in the US at this time. I wonder if this has happened elsewhere....

edit: added a final thought.

[jayctravis]

20. "Lept to their feet"...that's what I like to hear!

"Democrats leapt to their feet and demanded Hostettler be censured for his remarks. After a half-hour's worth of wrangling, Hostettler retracted his comments."

This brings to mind images of British Parliament. Go Dems!

[Whoa_Nelly]

22. Republicans Manipulate Christians (The Reality Headline)

Once again, the GOP is framing the debate. The Dems need to speak up now, hard and fast, to put the Repubs back on the defense.

[rodeodance]

23. Republican: Democrats Demonize Christians

Hostettler retracted his comments a while later---so as not to be censured by the Senate. Obey, as gentleman accepted the retraction.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/06/20/AR2005062000993_pf.html

washingtonpost.com

Republican: Democrats Demonize Christians

By ANDREW TAYLOR
The Associated Press
Monday, June 20, 2005; 8:03 PM

WASHINGTON -- The House passed a mammoth defense spending bill Monday evening, but only after a Republican congressman was forced to take back remarks accusing Democrats of "demonizing Christians."

The rhetorical warfare came as the House considered a proposal by Rep. David Obey, D-Wis., to put Congress on record against "coercive and abusive religious proselytizing" at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Rep. John Hostettler, R-Ind., criticized Obey and Steve Israel, D-N.Y., who offered a similar condemnation of academy officials earlier this year on another bill.

"Like a moth to a flame, Democrats can't help themselves when it comes to denigrating and demonizing Christians," Hostettler said......

[MichiganVote]

24. Democrats: Republicans sermonize Americans

And their ratings go down, down, down....

[rodeodance]

26. see this DU thread also

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x3903587

[Nancy Waterman]

28. GOP lies: Either we harm the soldiers or we demonize the Christians

The truth: they harm the soldiers with bogus wars, not enough protective equipment, and mistreating prisoners, and they have exploited the Christians by manipulating their feelings on a few key issues

[la la]

25. I was watching and

I could almost sense the gasp from those few who were there - even other republicans.

:wtf:

[Norquist Nemesis]

64. I had to leave while they were transcribing

and didn't get to see the decision and debate followups. It was intense. Hostettler was waayyyyy over the top. He should have been censured.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

27. Christians who are being denigrated

are an embarrassment to members of their own faith.

Of course, only a rethuglican would make a statement that ignores the Christians on the other side of the aisle.

[Salluc]

29. Like moths to a flame

Republicans supporting bigotry, coercion and Anti-American values.

[Jackpine Radical]

30. Well, shit. Some of us demonize Beelzebub and Mephistopheles too.

Why should we treat the fundies any better? They're just as destructive.

For these people, freedom of religion consists of their freedom to impose their crap on me.

Whenever the Witnesses or whoever come to my door with their little leaflets & booklets I tell them I'm a psychologist & would be happy to give them a reduced rate on deprogramming.

[Gyre]

31. If we do, it's because some of them

are fecking stupid, speak with southern accents, and love to tell us that everybody who doesn't believe exactly the same irrational shit they do are going to hell.

Sorry that some of us are so insensitive that we hurt their wittle feewings, NOT!:evilgrin:

Gyre

[wakeme2008]

32. Minor point... House not Senate... :) nt

[proud patriot]

33. RW Fundies demonize themselves

I just call it like I see it . If they don't
like me saying "jesus said peacemakers would be blessed"

Too Bad :evilgrin:

[johnnypneumatic]

34. like moths to a flame?

"Like mind-controlled zombies, (republicans, neo-cons, conservatives, christofascists) can't help themselves when it comes to denigrating and demonizing (liberals, democrats, gays, blacks, jews, muslims, real Christians, anyone on their radar-object of hate for the moment),"

[Miss Chybil]

35. Seems a lot of Christians have been demoniizing most everybody else

for say... oh, I don't know... almost 2000 years.

Poor wittle Kwishtuns. Evewy body is always soooooo mean to them. What was is that Jesus said? "Get over it!" (aka "Turn the other cheek and move on, brother.")

[stepnw1f]

36. Fundamentalist Christians Have Been Demonizing the World for How Long Now?

The audacity of these cultist guru asshole nut bags. They better hope they win this fight, because when we have the upper hand, I say we like make this mentality "HISTORY". They have crossed the God Damned line with me.

[mzmolly]

37. "Democrats demonize hateful bigoted hypocrites, of all stripes"

THAT would be the proper the headline. Democrats have never nominated a Non-Christian for President. That's how much we "Demonize Christians." :eyes:

[donheld]

38. Hypocrite Christians Demonize Christians

Such as Tom Delay, George W, Bill Frist etc.

[readmylips]

39. A$$hole, we're all Christians....We criticize those who use Christ...

for political gain, and by that I mean crazy Pentocostals like little bush, falwell, billy graham and all those sinners in the repig party.

[leesa]

40. Pure widdo persecuted christians...they don't get to spew their hate

and destroy our judicial system with impunity.

[VegasWolf]

41. I never "demonize" christians, I just feel sorry for them. nt

[Erika]

42. W's preemptive strike policy is NOT Christian

Nor is his pandering to the rich at the cost to the poor.

[NYC Liberal]

43. We demonize Republicans

Since they happen to be Christian, we must be demonizing them BECAUSE they are Christian? I guess this is his logic....or something. I can't understand Rethuglican "logic"

[roguevalley]

46. Hostettler, slang for asshole

[Deja Q]

50. A Christian myself, I am outraged that that animal would say such a thing.

I'm already struggling to find reasons to vote next election; I don't need any reasons to say "it's all fucking worthless". And that seems to be increasingly the case.

If our Dems don't stand up in anger over this, then I've had it with the lot of them, I'm sorry.

[ryanmuegge]

51. Actually, John, we demonize corporate power, as they are true evil...

We just think fundie Christians are fucking idiots!

[Binka]

60. Nice Post! Succinct And Sweet! Welcome Ryan

You have a very cool style.

[FreedomAngel82]

52. He should talk to me

I'm a democrat and a Christian.

[ruggerson]

53. I'm calling this guy's office tomorrow

he should be censured

[jmcon007]

54. But, what about that perfect part in his hair? Hallelujah.

[Voltaire99]

56. What thin-skinned creatures these Christians be.

When you're essentially the house religion, and wars are being waged in your name, and laws require sales of good honest drink to come to a halt for your magic rituals, isn't a bit of humility or meekness in order?

Shouldn't you, er, turn the other cheek?

[IndianaGreen]

57. Nice to see Hostettler defend anti-Semitism!

Where are our friends of AIPAC and the ADL in condemning this moron's defense of the rampant anti-Semitism that was directed at Jewish cadets? Or is it the fact that Hostettler is a Republican puts him on some sort of "do not attack" list?

[ngGale]

58. What a big, fat lie - we don't hate Christians we hate...

"fundie fristians." Not the same in any way!

[Name removed]

59. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[sunnystarr]

61. GOP Congressman Calls Democrats Anti-Christian

Remarks in Floor Debate Stir Protest

By Mike Allen
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, June 21, 2005; Page A04

Business on the floor of the House was halted for 45 minutes yesterday after Rep. John N. Hostettler (R-Ind.) accused Democrats of "denigrating and demonizing Christians," prompting a furious protest from across the aisle.

The House was debating a Democratic amendment to the annual defense appropriations bill that would have required the Air Force Academy to develop a plan for preventing "coercive and abusive religious proselytizing."

Hostettler, speaking against the amendment, asserted that "the long war on Christianity in America continues today on the floor of the House of Representatives" and "continues unabated with aid and comfort to those who would eradicate any vestige of our Christian heritage being supplied by the usual suspects, the Democrats."

"Like a moth to a flame, Democrats can't help themselves when it comes to denigrating and demonizing Christians," he said.

more...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/06/20/AR2005062001194.html?referrer=email

[BlueEyedSon]

62. I'm so sick of these sanctimonious sh*theads. They should check

their religion at the door.

[oneold1-4u]

63. "demonizing Christians"??

The Republicans of today have put more ugly religious types in the spotlight than the catholics and the pope! Just google half the republicans in office and check their arrest and family status over the past 20-30 years! These are the new church of the world!

[silverweb]

65. Not "Christians" ...

Dominionists!!

http://www.yuricareport.com/Dominionism/DirectoryRiseOfDominionismInAmerica.html

[HockeyMom]

67. I hate "Christians" who want to replace the CONSTITUTION with the Bible

[demo dutch]

68. Republicans denigrate and demonize many Americans, gays,

democrates, and anyone who isn't the "right" kind of Christian

[Coastie for Truth]

69. I will pray for Mr. John Hostettler - because he is on the path of heresy

and blasphemy.

It's all laid out in Forrest Church's "God and Other Famous Liberals - Recapturing Bible, Flag, and Family from the Far Right."

John Hostettler is on the path to heresy and blasphemy - he needs our prayers and our help.

Maybe we should all send him a copy of President Thomas Jefferson's annotation/abridgment of The Bible.

He needs our help and pity and prayers.

[puddycat]

70. funny, most Republicans I know worship money, not Christ

I'd say the vast majority of Republicans I know (and I know a lot because I came from a conservative background) do not care about religion and in fact mock it, they are Republican because they hate social programs, they hate giving away any of their money to help their fellow man, they hate the idea of someone possibly getting something "for free"--but yet this is all hypocritical in my view, because the people they vote for promote "corporate welfare", spend billions in illegal wars, etc. None of these people whould even think of enlisting in the military or encouraging their kids to do so.

Republicans wouldn't recognize Jesus if he came back and swung from the rafters in Congress! While yes, I am angry at what organzed religion has done to humanity--and still does (pedophile priests, etc) I think personal spirituality should be promoted, and a back-to-basics Christianity where Jesus is worshipped instead of a warped armageddon frenzy.

[Endangered Specie]

71. Democrats: Republicans kill.

simple, to the point... hope Dean will strike back