Quote:
Originally Posted by Eric
I think I would stop short at direct involvement. The Family is a fundamentalist christian political organization. While it does not seem to be involved directly in US politics and Foreign Policy, it does have tremendous influence with right wing politicians; it is one of the most politically well-connected organizations in the US. Current members include 11 US senators, (9 Republicans and 2 Southern Democrats ... maybe Steeljack will correct me on this, but I understand that some southern Democrats are further to the right than some northern Republicans) .... and that is over 20% of the Senate. Two former Joint Chiefs of Staff are also members. Our old buddy George W. Bush is very closely connected to the organization ... not, in all probability, because of some devious conspiracy, but out of personal conviction. Those who subscribe to the policies of The Family would accept the thesis of The Pink Swastika, which most of us would dismiss as, at best, pseudo history.
Leaders in Africa value US support, and crave US weapons in order to maintain their power. Uganda, or the current govt. of Uganda, has always been anti-gay, but the new laws seem to have turned up the heat on gays.
The potential for influence is there .... I do stop short of "conspiracy", way short ... and, while it may not have created the anti-gay stance of the govt., it could exacerbate what already exists.
Whatever ... it seems like what already is a terrible situation has just got one hell of a lot worse.  |
This is the bunch that ensures that any reference to family planning services (contraception and womens services) are omitted and abstinance promoted from any and all foriegn aid bills , they also ensure that food aid and other civilian aid programs are directed by "approved" christian charities which means the Catholic and Episcopalian (Anglican/Cof E) are not included .
It's effect on the military (USAF) is more insidious , there are a couple of cases going thru the court system where people have been delayed/denied promotion because it's been noticed they were 'AWOL' during on-base Church services ...seen by some of the higher -ups as a lack of patriotism ....same reason for the ban on "out" gays in the military , though I think Obomba will change this in the near future .
slight wander .....I once told some American fundamentalist 'christian taliban' friends that they were apostates and belonged to a cult because they didn't attend a proper Church , ie one named after a Saint (Mark, Luke , Mary etc.) the looks on their faces was priceless
