[finnbow]

Originally Posted by Pukka Sahib

The Republican Party no longer represents traditional conservative values. It has been hijacked by extremists (e.g., Evangelical Christians, the so-called Tea Party Patriots, anti-abortion activists, etc.) that are holding it hostage to their agenda. Indeed, if former Senator Barry Goldwater (“Mr. Conservative”) could see what these lunatic fringe groups have done to the GOP, he would turn over in his grave! I doubt that even former President Ronald Reagan (the “Great Communicator”) would be thought well-spoken in today’s toxic political climate.

Indeed. Here are a few Goldwater quotes from his later years on the topic of religious zealots taking over the GOP.

“Mark my word, if and when these preachers get control of the [Republican] party, and they’re sure trying to do so, it’s going to be a terrible damn problem. Frankly, these people frighten me. Politics and governing demand compromise. But these Christians believe they are acting in the name of God, so they can’t and won’t compromise. I know, I’ve tried to deal with them.”

“Religious factions will go on imposing their will on others unless the decent people connected to them recognize that religion has no place in public policy. They must learn to make their views known without trying to make their views the only alternatives.”

"When you say 'radical right' today, I think of these moneymaking ventures by fellows like Pat Robertson and others who are trying to take the Republican Party away from the Republican Party, and make a religious organization out of it. If that ever happens, kiss politics goodbye."

“Everyone knows that gays have served honorably in the military since at least the time of Julius Caesar.”

“It’s time America realized that there is no gay exemption in the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in the Declaration of Independence.”