Hedges Issues Warning About Culture Warriors

Chris Hedges, author of American Fascists, has been following the reaction to "The Equality Ride." In an essay with a title reminiscent of a famous Martin Niemoller quotation, Hedges issues a warning about the influence that Christian Right "culture warriors" are wielding in American society. Here's a quote:

Should another catastrophic attack such as 9/11 occur, should we enter into a period of prolonged instability and fear, what will prevent these preachers from calling for the punishment, detention and quarantining of gays and lesbians, as well as abortionists and Muslims and other nonbelievers to safeguard the nation? What will staunch hate crimes and physical attacks against those deemed immoral by fearful and angry Christians, against those whom these preachers have condemned as responsible for the nation’s abandonment by God? How will the nation function rationally if homeland security depends on an elusive piety as it is interpreted by the Christian right? And most ominously, the fringe groups of the Christian right believe “Bible-believing Christians” have been mandated by God to carry out Christian terrorism, to murder doctors who perform abortions and godless Muslims. In a time of anxiety and chaos, of overwhelming fear and uncertainty, how many more will be prodded by this talk of terror and divine vengeance to join the ranks of these Christian extremists?

Lest readers think Hedges concerns are overblown, here's a link to an essay about a forthcoming meeting by "Christian Nationalist 'Minutemen'" by Chip Berlet of Political Research Associates.