Politics: The Dark Ages edition

[dreadgeek]

An allegedly responsible member of Congress has said that, get this, *demons* are infesting the capitol. Yes, demons. Yes, as in big, horrible monsters from the depths of Hell. Infesting the capitol.

Congressman Louie Gohmert (R-TX) had this to say against the health care reform bill:

And then, out of nowhere, Gohmert began spreading the word that underworld spirits were lurking around the Capitol building behind him.

"There's a whole lot of demon going on," he said. "There are a lot of demons around here apparently."

When oh when are we going to get to a place where nominally responsible people don't feel comfortable making such ridiculous statements in public? In any kind of *sane* country, Gohmert would be laughed out of public life. But here, his comments pass without so much as an askance look and a "whatchoo talkin' 'bout, Willis".

It reminds me of nothing so much as the witch trial scene from Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Knight: "How do you know she is a witch."
Peasant: "She turned me into a newt."
Knight: A newt?
Peasant: Got better.

One wonders what century this guy believes he is living in.

The full story in all of its amusing horror.

Cheers
Aj

[Linus]

Whee...


[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yp_l5ntikaU"]YouTube- monty python-witch scene[/ame]

What's scary is that others accept this as well... it's not just one "nut" but a whole bowl full.

[Bit]

It makes me really angry. This guy no more believes in demons than you do, Aj; he clearly wants to move up in national power, and he's shamelessly manipulating a gullible lot of people to do so. He knows just what allegations to throw out there to inflame the public, and he's cold-blooded about it; it shows in his picture.

Thanks for posting this thread, as I wouldn't have known about this jerk otherwise. So, the Teaparty is already racist and now they're "alll het up" about demons... doesn't take a genius to know who they'll be after next.

Sometimes I just wanna bury my face in my hands and scream for a while over the greed of some people and the concomitant feverish rush to ignorant prejudice of others. *shakes head in frustration*

[dreadgeek]

Originally Posted by Bit

It makes me really angry. This guy no more believes in demons than you do, Aj; he clearly wants to move up in national power, and he's shamelessly manipulating a gullible lot of people to do so. He knows just what allegations to throw out there to inflame the public, and he's cold-blooded about it; it shows in his picture.

Thanks for posting this thread, as I wouldn't have known about this jerk otherwise. So, the Teaparty is already racist and now they're "alll het up" about demons... doesn't take a genius to know who they'll be after next.

Sometimes I just wanna bury my face in my hands and scream for a while over the greed of some people and the concomitant feverish rush to ignorant prejudice of others. *shakes head in frustration*

Bit:

I hope you're right about this guy not believing a word he says about demons (although the fact that there are people who *will* believe him is just as terrifying). If he's just a cynical politician, playing cynical politics, then typically that lot can be trusted not to drive the bus off a cliff. There's always *some* reason not to take that last step. If, however, he believes what he's saying (and, quite honestly, I presume that he *does* believe it) then that's far more disturbing because True Believers will drive a bus off a cliff (or fly planes into buildings) if for no other reason than to prove their point.

I find it disturbing that in this day and age, people of power and responsibility and talk about demons in public without ANY fear that they will be laughed out of town as a loon. As a nation it seems we've jumped the cognitive shark.

Cheers
Aj

[Medusa]

I've been out of the loop the last few days and can't believe I missed the demon commentary!

See, scarily enough, I'm kinda thinking that the guy might actually believe that there really are demons running around on Capitol Hill. I will fully own that seeing the (R) after the guys name and that he was from Texas has completely shrouded my thinking with the veil of "must be one of those zealot Republicans".

*pause for dramatic effect while I read the Wiki on this guy*

Oh HELL, he's a "Birther" too.

He also apparently thinks that repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" will lead to "Nazism and legalisation of Necrophilia, Beastiality, and Pedophilia."

It's official. I believe the guy ACTUALLY believes that "demons" are loose on the hill.

It's hard not to wonder how other countries view the asshats in our political system as anything but unevolved, hysterical morons. Now, someone please stop me before I draw a parallel between religious hystericals and Republicans.

[MsDemeanor]

Let's see, Gohmert is a birther (co-sponsor HR 1503), a texas baptist, the guy who figured out that we could solve the economic crisis by giving everyone a 2 month vacation from paying federal taxes, carried signs to Obama's congressional address that said “What Bill?” and “What Plan?”, thinks that the Hate Crimes act is dangerous, and represents a state that is in the process of rewriting history so that wing nut conservatives are given more space in history books than, oh, say, the guy that wrote the Declaration of Independence.

I think that he's dead serious.

More terrifying is that people voted for him, so there are a lot more out there just like him.

Edited to add that Medusa and I posted at the same time and that I have no intention of stopping her from drawing a parallel between religious hystericals and Republicans, as I can't recall seeing a whole lot of religious hysterical Democrats floating around the Capitol or Faux Newz.

[Bit]

He's as serious as any surfer riding the waves; choose the wrong one and you're swamped, have to swim for it... but do I think he, himself, actually personally believes the crap he's selling? No, I believe he is a user who is using other people's fears and hysteria to get him what he wants.

I have yet to come across any politician who actually believes the right-wing nonsense they spout; like cynical church leaders, they just follow the money to power. It gives politicians and church leaders who are not cynical a bad name--but then, users never care about things like that as long as there is money (and power!) in it for them.

[Medusa]

More irony:

A government official calling for the end of government. (another Republican)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/0..._n_500995.html

[Apocalipstic]

Originally Posted by dreadgeek

Bit:

I hope you're right about this guy not believing a word he says about demons (although the fact that there are people who *will* believe him is just as terrifying). If he's just a cynical politician, playing cynical politics, then typically that lot can be trusted not to drive the bus off a cliff. There's always *some* reason not to take that last step. If, however, he believes what he's saying (and, quite honestly, I presume that he *does* believe it) then that's far more disturbing because True Believers will drive a bus off a cliff (or fly planes into buildings) if for no other reason than to prove their point.

I find it disturbing that in this day and age, people of power and responsibility and talk about demons in public without ANY fear that they will be laughed out of town as a loon. As a nation it seems we've jumped the cognitive shark.

Cheers
Aj

Well, this is not a really far leap from "God" telling W to go to war and how to govern. If God can run the country, then so can demons?

Really the idiocy of it all is almost too much to bear.

All this magical thinking makes me sick at my stomach. And yes, this is not far at all from the Dark Ages.

[dreadgeek]

Originally Posted by apocalipstic

Well, this is not a really far leap from "God" telling W to go to war and how to govern. If God can run the country, then so can demons?

Really the idiocy of it all is almost too much to bear.

All this magical thinking makes me sick at my stomach. And yes, this is not far at all from the Dark Ages.

Isn't it just too much? You know the strange thing is that this change happened suddenly! As late as the late 70's/early 80's if ANY politician had made such a statement on the record their career would be over and done with. Now, it's just a normal part of political discourse.

I'm waiting for someone to start claiming that witches are the cause of climate change.

[Medusa]

Originally Posted by dreadgeek

I'm waiting for someone to start claiming that witches are the cause of climate change.

Remember Paul Cellucci (R) from MA?! :P

http://www.couponclicker.com/wp-srv/...s/ma102598.htm

I'm trying to find an article talking about how he had no problem with "accosting" those who practiced Wicca or paganism. I remember reading about it wwwaaaaayyyyy back when

[Apocalipstic]

Originally Posted by dreadgeek

Isn't it just too much? You know the strange thing is that this change happened suddenly! As late as the late 70's/early 80's if ANY politician had made such a statement on the record their career would be over and done with. Now, it's just a normal part of political discourse.

I'm waiting for someone to start claiming that witches are the cause of climate change.

Totally!

Seriously, an Inquisition is right around the corner.

I so thought that when President Obama was voted in that people were ready for a huge change, that there was hope for sanity in government. But no....we have idiots coming up with insane stuff to try and stop us from making any progress. He must be so incredibly frustrated, I don't think he had any idea how bad things really are.

[Diva]

I realize it's not my responsibility to tell all Y'all this...but may I just say that I read things like Aj's opening post and am ashamed of some of the pure~dee CRAP that comes out of the mouths of some Texas politicians?

I realize there are idiot politicians in every state.....but it does seem as though Texas has more than her fair share.....

And to think they actually believe what they are spewing just baffles my mind!

Thankfully, Austin IS an oasis in the middle of all the insanity.....but NOT so thankfully, our [republican] governor lives here......and he's a 'good ol' boy' from the word GO.

Heaven help us.

[dark_crystal]

i am not 100% sure this is the right thread for this- but it was the closest i could find and i didn't weant to start a whole new one

plus how can you derail a thread that has been inactive for months and months?

i just have a question, but it does have political implications-

my boss suggested this morning that i offer a computer class specifically geared and marketed toward homeschoolers

i KNOW a lot of homeschoolers are nice non-scary people, but in our service area it is 99% new-earth creationists who can only be assumed to be virulaently anti-agy (i know that is a gross generalization but pretty safe around here, srsly)

i said that i would rather not and suggested that the Children's librarian might be better suited. The reason i gave was "homophobic religious fundamentalists give me the heebie-jeebies" (i am out at work)

now i am worried that my refusal might reflect badly on me professionally.

what do ya'll think?

[katsarecool]

I applaud your bravery!!! Your boss should be proud of standing up for your beliefs. I hope it goes well!

[Linus]

Originally Posted by dark_crystal

i am not 100% sure this is the right thread for this- but it was the closest i could find and i didn't weant to start a whole new one

plus how can you derail a thread that has been inactive for months and months?

i just have a question, but it does have political implications-

my boss suggested this morning that i offer a computer class specifically geared and marketed toward homeschoolers

i KNOW a lot of homeschoolers are nice non-scary people, but in our service area it is 99% new-earth creationists who can only be assumed to be virulaently anti-agy (i know that is a gross generalization but pretty safe around here, srsly)

i said that i would rather not and suggested that the Children's librarian might be better suited. The reason i gave was "homophobic religious fundamentalists give me the heebie-jeebies" (i am out at work)

now i am worried that my refusal might reflect badly on me professionally.

what do ya'll think?

I think it's important to stand up to your beliefs. Unless your boss can ensure a safe and welcoming work environment for you and the clients, then it's important that they understand that this might not be a safe work environment for you.

And if I may redirect a little bit.. The homeschooling thought, however, does dove-tail nicely into this thread because I've begun to wonder, based on comments by various politicians **coughOdonellcough** if the "intelligence" level we are seeing is the result of home schooling. I mean, it boggles the mind that the basic concept -- derived from the 1st Amendment -- isn't known as part of American history. In fact, many seem to want to rewrite history and ignore huge swaths of it. Given the number of these kinds of candidates that are running what does it mean for the American gov't?

[Jess]

Originally Posted by Linus

I think it's important to stand up to your beliefs. Unless your boss can ensure a safe and welcoming work environment for you and the clients, then it's important that they understand that this might not be a safe work environment for you.

And if I may redirect a little bit.. The homeschooling thought, however, does dove-tail nicely into this thread because I've begun to wonder, based on comments by various politicians **coughOdonellcough** if the "intelligence" level we are seeing is the result of home schooling. I mean, it boggles the mind that the basic concept -- derived from the 1st Amendment -- isn't known as part of American history. In fact, many seem to want to rewrite history and ignore huge swaths of it. Given the number of these kinds of candidates that are running what does it mean for the American gov't?

OK, that freaked me out enough I had to wiki her ( O'Donell's) bio. LOL! She attended a mainstream high school, so we can't blame it on that.

However, interesting bit.. her dad was a part time substitute for Bozo The Clown! Now, don't get me wrong, as a kid, I loved some Bozo, however, I'm not sure I would want him helping me learn to vote. LOL!

[Linus]

Originally Posted by Jess

OK, that freaked me out enough I had to wiki her ( O'Donell's) bio. LOL! She attended a mainstream high school, so we can't blame it on that.

However, interesting bit.. her dad was a part time substitute for Bozo The Clown! Now, don't get me wrong, as a kid, I loved some Bozo, however, I'm not sure I would want him helping me learn to vote. LOL!

Then either her teachers missed some stuff or she was distracted (it was the 80s so all that hair spray and shoulder pads might have done it -- and I say this as someone who was in HS at that time). Either way, I was rather shocked that even I knew that.. and I'm NOT American.

[dark_crystal]

Originally Posted by katsarecool

I applaud your bravery!!! Your boss should be proud of standing up for your beliefs. I hope it goes well!

Originally Posted by Linus

I think it's important to stand up to your beliefs. Unless your boss can ensure a safe and welcoming work environment for you and the clients, then it's important that they understand that this might not be a safe work environment for you.

Originally Posted by Jess

I too applaud you for standing up for your personal/political beliefs....I truly hope you don't suffer any backlash from this, and maybe, just maybe your position as a direct straightforward employee with personal integrity will be the focus.

thanks ya'll....i am pretty sure it will be fine. The American Library Association was the first professional association to support GLBT rights, and the leadership at this library is very liberal, and my boss said she totally "got" why i was uncomfortable...my only concern is that if the children's librarian is asked to do it, and it comes out that i refused and why- THAT might offend the Children's director, cuz she's a Bible-thumper

But Linus mentioning the term "safe work environment" reminds me that i can use it lol- and if i don't feel safe and i say so, that will be enough

thanks again ya'll

[Jess]

Originally Posted by dark_crystal

i am not 100% sure this is the right thread for this- but it was the closest i could find and i didn't weant to start a whole new one

plus how can you derail a thread that has been inactive for months and months?

i just have a question, but it does have political implications-

my boss suggested this morning that i offer a computer class specifically geared and marketed toward homeschoolers

i KNOW a lot of homeschoolers are nice non-scary people, but in our service area it is 99% new-earth creationists who can only be assumed to be virulaently anti-agy (i know that is a gross generalization but pretty safe around here, srsly)

i said that i would rather not and suggested that the Children's librarian might be better suited. The reason i gave was "homophobic religious fundamentalists give me the heebie-jeebies" (i am out at work)

now i am worried that my refusal might reflect badly on me professionally.

what do ya'll think?

I too applaud you for standing up for your personal/political beliefs.

Unfortunately, we are a society in which our "personal" IS our "political". We see it everywhere we turn, especially with mid-term elections less than a week away.

I hope your employer recalls why they hired you. Your resume and the skill set you bring to the table. Too often office politics are the same as our government. The resume doesn't count and folks vote from their personal likes/dislikes, agreements/ disagreeing point of views and half of it is based on nothing more than their own personal needs/wants/biases and not for the greater good. The scathing tv ads coming from both parties is more than proof enough.

. I truly hope you don't suffer any backlash from this, and maybe, just maybe your position as a direct straightforward employee with personal integrity will be the focus.