Michael Lerner wrote a book just out last month that challenges the Religious Right's values and offers a practical, potentially quick-acting solution to dems for getting back the votes of the millions that voted for * because of "values" (gag me). The book is aimed at all of us, whether we're spiritual or not, and whatever religion we happen to follow, because we share the same core values of compassion, ecological sanity, etc. It has gotten great reviews and he's a dynamic, inspiring speaker.
There's a grassroots movement growing around this concept, which he's been putting together for years... first conference is in DC this May, and Cindy Sheehan, Arun Gandhi, Holly Near, many others are on board already. I just heard him speak and immediately volunteered to help get him noticed as much as possible because his message is so key. Should be mandatory reading for every Dem in the House and Senate, IMHO
The book (don't let the title turn you off: it's for secular folks like me, as well):
The Left Hand of God: Taking Back our Country from The Religious Right
(ordering thru this link will send some of the profit to DU :)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=democrat ...
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Excerpt from Left Hand of God, followed by an interview:
http://www.alternet.org/story/32037 /
Another interview:
http://www.grist.org/news/maindish/2006/03/22/roberts /
Info on the May conference and more info on this group, the Network of Spiritual Progressives:
http://www.spiritualprogressives.org /
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Schedule:
April 1st Santa Fe, NM
7:30 pm Armory for the Arts
1050 Old Pecos Trail
Santa Fe, NM 87505
505.927.8630
April 2nd Albuquerque, NM
9:30 am and 11 am First Unitarian Church
3701 Carlisle Blvd. NE (SW corner of Carlisle & Comanche)
Albuquerque, NM 87110
505.884.1801
2 pm University of New Mexico
Continuing Education Auditorium
(NE corner of University Blvd. & Indian School Rd.)
505.323.6162
If you go, I'd love to know what you think of his concept!
:hippie: :patriot: