Sunday, August 8, 2010

Be so very afraid -- of someone else

I've heard pundits say that the decision to overturn the Calif. gay marriage ban will (or at least could) be a big issue in November's election. Electing candidates favorable to a federal marriage amendment to the Constitution could be the draw to get Fundie voters to the polls. Shades of 2004 all over again.

GOP Rep. Peter King of NY says that won't happen. The GOP already has its wedge issue and bogeyman for this election cycle. And for something different since the collapse of the Soviet Empire it's not gays. It's immigrants. The issue is on the front burner thanks to the Arizona immigration law.

Alas. I'd be so very happy if we could have an election cycle not featuring the bogeyman of the day. Politics based on wedge issues and fear-mongering is so contrary to American ideals. And Christianity.

One commenter laments, "I sometimes wish my Iroquois ancestors had formulated a stronger immigration policy…"

Another points out a verse from Leviticus that appears between the two that are used to condemn gays:

When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.
Leviticus 19 vs. 33-34 (NIV)

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