Dobson strikes again

[BigFatMeanie]

Originally Posted by BarbaraGordon

I don't like the idea of a person whose sole purpose is the advancement of a religious (and nearly theocratic) agenda having so much control over our party and our politics.

As you hint though, if that control is by virtue of the support of millions of Americans, then the control is democratic and therefore fairly legitimate. And one would hope that our system would prove its integrity by preventing this person (or any other) from advancing his agenda beyond what is legally allowed, regardless of how much support he is able to rally for his cause.

Now the question becomes, if, for example, some Republicans don't like Dobson's influence over their party (and it is difficult to overstate his influence), then what is the recourse? Well, can't get rid of the guy. We certainly can't silence the guy. That's just unAmerican. But we have to send a message to those in power that we don't want this man controlling our party. We do that with our votes.

This is why -- if you reject the Dobson influence and social-issue-obsession of the new improved GOP (and obviously not everyone does) -- it's so important to make sure McCain/Palin ticket is defeated. I honestly believe that if McCain/Palin win, the Republican Party is lost for another two decades. As long as they can win on a platform of big spending, big war, and appeal to Dobson, they will continue to run on that platform.

A couple of thoughts:
1. I'm surprised you self identify as a Republican with the "our party" verbiage.

2. I agree that using ones vote is an excellent way to reject his message. I had just such a chance during the Republican primary. I'm not sure that I agree with the conclusion that rejecting the Republican party in the general election is the best way to limit the influence of Dobson. Voting for a party that I find even more distasteful on the whole than the Republican party, simply because I don't like certain aspects of or people with influence in the Republican party, doesn't seem to me like the best way to repudiate or eliminate those aspects or people I dislike. That seems rather like cutting off my nose to spite my face.

3. As long as you're not proposing any external limitations on Dobson's speech or ability to promote his message then I say "have at it" in your attempts to counter his ideas with better ideas of your own. That's what the marketplace of ideas is all about.

[BarbaraGordon]

Originally Posted by BigFatMeanie

A couple of thoughts:
1. I'm surprised you self identify as a Republican with the "our party" verbiage.

I get that a lot these days. I kinda feel like the party left me behind, only it left me sometime before I was born. I reregistered independent this summer, after McCain sold out to the neocon line. I just don't want anything to do with this platform anymore.

2. I agree that using ones vote is an excellent way to reject his message. I had just such a chance during the Republican primary. I'm not sure that I agree with the conclusion that rejecting the Republican party in the general election is the best way to limit the influence of Dobson. Voting for a party that I find even more distasteful on the whole than the Republican party, simply because I don't like certain aspects of or people with influence in the Republican party, doesn't seem to me like the best way to repudiate or eliminate those aspects or people I dislike. That seems rather like cutting off my nose to spite my face.

I understand that. I just truly believe they'll keep going with what's working. We have to lose for us to win.

3. As long as you're not proposing any external limitations on Dobson's speech or ability to promote his message then I say "have at it"

So I should call off the gag order, then?


Incidentally, I called Focus on the Family today and asked to speak to Dobson. They wouldn't put me through. They did, however, agree to take us off the mailing list.