Most Republicans who call themselves ‘conservatives’ are either lying or simply refuse to face the facts. They are reactionary, having moved so far to the right our government is now dysfunctional, and our democracy defunct. The truth is that the GOP has become so extreme, that if Ronald Reagan were our nation’s president today, he would be a Democrat. He was an outstanding diplomat, he worked across the aisle, and he gave amnesty to 2.7 million undocumented workers.
For those of you who do not read my blog daily, you must know that I am one of more than 65 million Americans who refuses to align himself with any organized religion. I am an Independent, and an original baby boomer. However, I do not agree with most Americans in my age group. I do not revere the past. I am a true progressive and believe in our nation’s future, a future where all men are equal under the law, and all women share in that equality both publicly and privately.
The Republican convention begins on July 18th in Cleveland, Ohio. I have written several times about this upcoming “reality show.” The events inside and outside of Quicken Loans Arena should be entertaining to say the least.
The Freedom from Religion Foundation has purchased the use of a billboard near the site of the convention. Those invited to attend the ‘show’ will not approve of the picture or the wording on the huge advertisement.
It contains a picture of the Republican demagogue, Ronald Reagan. The words are a direct quote from our 40th president.
“We establish no religion in this country … Church and state are, and must remain, separate,” the billboard will read.
Here’s the truth which you will not hear from the media. Reagan supported the first amendment. He strongly believed in religious freedom, but supported the words of our founding fathers insisting that we will have no national religion.
I couldn’t agree more. Therefore, I denounce the Christian religious right and its control of the Republican Party today. Along with my other 65 million non-believers, I do not want any religion involved in the decisions made by Congress.
The truth is that without the influence of the Christian religious right, two “hot-button” issues would not be involved in our political system.
Both the right of a woman to control the physicality of her own body through medical assistance, and same-sex marriage should be non-issues. They have no effect on the actions required by our government, but they have been forced upon us by a ‘special interest’ group who call themselves Christians, but fail to believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ.
By their support of the Christian religious right, Republicans are violating the first and fourteenth amendments.
Our government will remain dysfunctional until lobbyists are removed from the Capitol, and the wants of special interests are denied. When one of our major parties is owned by the one-percent, the Christian religious right, and the NRA, there is no hope for the repair of our broken government.
If those who call themselves Republicans today believed in the principles of past GOP presidents and Congressmen, they would treasure the words of Ronald Reagan. He was one-hundred percent correct.
Op-Ed
By James Turnage
The Truth With No Restrictions 