Grooming Politicians for Christ

[Roland99]

Evangelical programs on Capitol Hill seek to mold a new generation of leaders who will answer not to voters, but to God.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-statesman23aug23,0,2666633.story?coll=la-home-headlines

WASHINGTON — In the blue and gold elegance of the House speaker's private dining room, Jeremy Bouma bowed his head before eight young men and women who hope to one day lead the nation. He prayed that they might find wisdom in the Bible — and govern by its word.

"Holy Father, we thank you for providing us with guidance," said Bouma, who works for an influential televangelist. "Thank you, Lord, for these students. Build them up as your warriors and your ambassadors on Capitol Hill."

<...>

Nearly every Monday for six months, as many as a dozen congressional aides — many of them aspiring politicians — have gathered over takeout dinners to mine the Bible for ancient wisdom on modern policy debates about tax rates, foreign aid, education, cloning and the Central American Free Trade Agreement.

<...>

"We help them understand God's purpose for society," said Bouma, who coordinates the program, known as the Statesmanship Institute, for the Rev. D. James Kennedy.

They're just follwing Jesus's example of supporting one-party rule.



Oh wait....

[Stinky The Clown]

1. Very scary shit

Can anyone on that side explain how this is different than the Taliban?

Anyone ..... ?

[Roland99]

2. Can't wait until they start supporting the destruction of "false idols"

[mongo]

3. So how do we get progressive kids involved in politics?

I have a college aged daughter and most of the progressive kids I've talked to rather disdain politics.

How do we encourage liberals of the next generations to get involved, become lawyers or run for office?

[mconvente]

5. I'm going to be involved

Rutgers College Dems, Student Gov (hopefully if I get elected - I will at least serve on a non-elected committee if I'm not), Rutgers for Corzine, etc. It's gonna be an awesome first year!

[mongo]

6. Kudo's to you, my friend!

I do have to say I met some awesome young adults during the Kerry campaign.

I know there's some of you out there - but it just seems like the religious right is getting a leg up on us.

[Roland99]

7. I ran into one the other day in the grocery store. They're out there!

[peacetalksforall]

4. Archive it for future background data on candidates. Get their names.

I am getting to a point where imposed and relentless stalking of government by zealots is making me physically sick.