re: #2 Bob Levin

There is only so much momentum that can be generated here, especially since we love new technology more than we love religious beliefs.

I agree. I’ve long argued that the net effect of having the SoCon movement on American politics, when it is rising to the surface, is more to disturb the effectiveness of the political system and ultimately the ability to govern. Because we are such a diverse nation I do not see the hard-core theocrats ever succeeding in their goals. However, along the way they can cause damage, as we now see in the GOP with the ongoing breakdown between the SoCon elements and the non-religious “libertarian” wings of the party.

What we are likely to face is a bit of electorate chaos, where a lack of consensus on time-critical issues leads to the inability to govern. We see that now on energy issues, where the much needed investments to reduce our dependency on oil are never undertaken because of too many conflicting interests. We’re seeing also emerging is the hostility towards the educational systems in this country, with the more rabid elements of wingnuttia labeling teachers as “enemies”, and such.

Religious fervor almost always leads to disaster, wherever it occurs.