After listening to John Danforth, the Episcopalian bishop and long-time Missouri Republican Senator and Ambassador to the U.N, speak about the religious takeover of the Republican Party by extremists I was struck by his honesty. I know right wingers won’t listen to the truth about their party from me so I thought they would listen to Senator Danforth. He described the evolution of this takeover over the last 25 years and especially the last five, as akin to the fundamentalist Islamic takeover of moderate Muslim governments. He said the Republican Party that he loves is essentially a right wing Christian only party and might as well be called the Republican Baptist Convention. He talked about how they have callously attacked anyone that doesn’t agree with them on the Terri Schiavo issue, stem cell research, war, church/state, homosexuals, abortion and many other issues. He said the climate in the Senate and House is worse than he had seen in his twenty years in Washington. He went on to say that certain leaders in the White House, other branches of government and right-wing evangelical movement of the Republican Party have led this crusade by demonizing anyone that doesn’t agree with them as unchristian, and unpatriotic. Not only do they brand Democrats with this label they also do the same to those within their own party. When real veterans like John McCain and Chuck Hagle, who know what war is first hand, dare to question this administration or war policy they too are treated similarly. These right-wing chicken hawks have no shame when it comes to politicizing their policies and attacking anyone that challenges them. Patriotism to them is putting a magnetic ribbon on their cars and agreeing with all that the president says. But don’t mention sending their kids to Iraq. Their families have other priorities. Senator Danforth says many Republicans don’t agree with these politicians bringing religion into government but are afraid to speak out in fear of the threats from these people. What I can’t understand is when Danforth is asked what he thinks about Rove, Cheney, “w”, Tom Delay, Ashcroft and his darling Supreme Court Justices, Mr. & Mrs. Theocracy themselves, Clarence Thomas and Anthony Scalia; he says he supports all of them. It appears his concerns about losing the Republican Party to religious extremists are somewhat disingenuous when he won’t even openly voice opposition to those who have caused the problem. He sees the problem but doesn’t have the courage to speak the truth. You could say he talks the talk but won’t walk the walk. No wonder our civil government is in the shape it’s in. It has been said that evil flourishes when good people remain quiet. When will good citizens speak out with their votes?