BIgot of the Week
This week a number of U.S. Senators have simultaneously taken one stand against human rights and refused to take another stand in favor of human rights. What ties these bitter white men together is their membership in a secretive faux-Christian sect known as the Fellowship. (It’s also called the Family — they couldn’t decide which word to misappropriate…) This nasty sect, founded in 1935, purports to be a prayer group celebrating the teachings of Jesus. What they really are is the worst of Who Would Jesus Hate hypocrites, pushing homophobia, misogyny, racism, and “traditional values” while secretly supporting the long-term extramarital affairs of Sen. John Ensign (R of course – NV) and former SC Governor Mark Sanford.
The Fellowship has international membership, and its members in Uganda, with support from U.S. members like Scott Lively, have been active sponsors of the viciously anti-gay bill currently working its way through the Ugandan Parliament. Five Republican U.S. Senators who are known members of the Fellowship — Charles Grassley (IA), James Inhofe and Tom Coburn (OK), Jim DeMint (SC), Mike Enzi (WY) — (have actively resisted calls to condemn the bill. Sen. Inhofe notoriously argued with Rachel Maddow about the content of the bill and its connection to his organization in an interview last March. American “missionary” voices have been instrumental in fanning the flames of homophobia in Uganda. The refusal of these men to distance themselves from this potentially lethal legislation is inexcusable. On the plus side, the nefarious Jim DeMint is leaving the Senate to lead the backwards hate group The Heritage Foundation–only white, heterosexual, homophobes need apply.
Another international manner arose in the Senate this week. Treaty 112-7, a resolution from the U.N. on the rights of people with disabilities came up for a vote. This treaty already ratified by 126 countries, supports equal rights and support for the disabled. Even though it proposes nothing that is not already U.S. law, a core group of U.S. Senators blocked the treaty as “intrusive.” Treaties require a 2/3 majority, so the 61/38 vote failed to pass. All five of the Fellowship Senators voted “nay.” What a nice way to show their KKKristian values.
As a sad coda, retired Sen. Bob Dole appeared in the Senate chambers to support the treaty. I’m hardly a fan of Sen. Dole, but he is a disabled veteran and served for years beside many of the current Senators. They greeted him, slapped him on back, listened to his plea for support for the disabled, and voted against him. What more proof do we need that these nasty, narrow-minded monsters have jumped the legislative shark?
Social Justice For All 
I hate to use a violent phrase here, but I would dearly love to slap these guys silly. The only thing that stops me is the realization that there can literally be no possible defense for there narrow minded, cruel, selfish actions.
Ack. I feel sick…
I try to go to a place that just says: “These are very damaged men and full of fear,” but I sometimes fail and just really think what awful human beings!
They should come out of the closet. You know its nice out here. The fresh air and all.
Bonnie,
I, too, wonder how many of these fools are closet cases.
An observation. Many of the Heros are people like you and me, “average”. And then the bigots are those in political positions and power over policy and such. Not always true but I’m sure if you went back and counted there would be a pattern of some sort.
Sadly, you are right. There does seem to be a pattern. On the good side, I hope this means that great goodness can spring from social movements started and sustained by the people for social justice.
That is an astute observation. I believe it comes down to an ugly truth about human nature. When one has power, one can abuse it. When one lacks traditional power, the asssumption of it against the tyranny of the majority is noble and noteworthy.
Lex,
If only more people could understand the meaning/significance of power the way you do. Perhaps, you need to abandon writing and become a social worker! 🙂