John Danforth has a new book out in which he says that the Republican party has been taken over by the religious right. He says a lot of things that are correct and I was interested in hearing his interview with Al Franken on today's Al Franken Show. Al handled himself very well and he kept the pressure on Danforth.
Al asked some pointed questions trying to get Danforth to admit that the Republican Party and the current administration are to blame for the bitterness that is tearing our nation apart. Danforth, who says that we have to be humble and work together just could not walk his talk.
At the end Danforth said that both parties have been taken over by their extreme constituencies and they are equally to blame. Al pressed him by saying that the Democrats don't use religion to inflame people and the Democrats certainly don't have a religious agenda. Danforth was ready, he said that the Democrats have their religious right equivalent -- the teachers' union, labor unions in general, and the trial lawyers. These three organizations are, according to Danforth, the political equivalent of the religious right.
Danforth then said that we all have to come to the center and Al was ready. Al reminded Danforth that Clarence Thomas was not a centrist by any means. But Danforth just did not have the moral courage to admit the facts. He quoted a liberal member of the Supreme Court who had told him, Danforth, "Thank you for Clarence Thomas." Danforth went on to declare that Thomas was a diligent, contributing member of the Court. Al pressed him again by asking for the Justice's name, but Danforth said he would keep it confidential. Then they ran out of time.
I will have to read Danforth's book, but he had a real chance today to set an example, but his political heart overruled his head and he reverted to type.
But nevertheless I think Danforth is right about one thing and that is that the Republican Party has been taken over by the religious right. And I think that is one of the problems with our Federal System. Political parties are not helping. They concentrate too much on getting reelected and they focus too little on the people's business. It is just that simple. We need to eliminate political parties and elections.