It's been said that the only formation liberals are capable of is the circular firing squad. The Right, on the other hand, accepts the authority of their leaders with far less question and is capable of falling into formation on command, to disasterous effect (as we've seen most clearly over these past three years).
Having grown up Southern Baptist and Republican, I am encumbered by the painful first-hand knowledge that the minions of the Religious Right (as well as their leaders) definitely know some things we can't seem to get through our thick, idealistic, individualistic heads. The circular firing squads are painful to watch, especially in light of my belief that we really are on the right side of history.
So I present for your entertainment, your enlightenment, your disgust...
The Ten Commandments of the Religious Right
- Lay low. Build patiently up from school board and city councils.
- Lay low. Accept that the "pro-life, pro-family" candidate who can get 50% of the vote is better than the one who is promising to do all in his power to outlaw abortion but cannot win. Plus, these "moderates" come with heavy purses to help defeat the liberal foe.
- Lay low. Instead of attending noisy protests and making a spectacle of yourself, write the editors of your local papers.
- Lay low. Punish, but do not destroy politicians who fail to carry out your agenda completely yet are showing promise. Politics, is, after all, the art of the possible.
- Lay low. A few very conservative judges on the federal bench are worth more to us than a wonderful bill that will be overturned by current judges.
- Lay low. Know that your agenda will take well over a decade to achieve. This is a process.
- Lay low. Building up an anti-Roe v. Wade court judge by judge is the brass ring. This will take years.
- Lay low. Savor accomplishments as they come, but do not boast too much; it puts our achievements at risk. There's a reason pride is a sin...
- Lay low. The American people will slowly be lead by the Holy Spirit to embrace God's Plan for themselves individually and the country as a whole.
- Lay low. These things take time; God's good time. Pray, give, encourage, support. Remember that Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land, but he had the honor of leading God's people there.
I cannot recommend
Jesus Plus Nothing by Jeff Sharlett too much in order to help you all understand their mindset a bit better.
I do not think that we should adopt this mindset, but that it does contain strategies and tactics that might be of use.
Anyway, know your enemy.