Religion & Law

3 Cheers for the GOP

By Rob Vischer

Growing tired of the sleepy tones of NPR, I've switched over to conservative talk radio for my commute over the past couple of weeks.  I have to say, I have found the genre to be entertaining, intellectually stimulating, and horrifying -- often at the same time.  I've only listened to a few dozen callers, I admit, but I've observed a common theme to their comments: the unborn are part of the human community; illegal immigrants and "terrorists" are not.  In this regard, let me give a hearty "Amen!" to the GOP faithful in Florida for making John McCain the clear front-runner for the nomination.  On talk radio, at least, he gets hammered most aggressively for his stances on immigration and torture (as well as campaign finance).  I don't agree with his unwavering support for the war, but I'm glad to see that the voters will support a candidate who speaks unpopular truths about the human persons in our midst.

UPDATE: In response to reader reaction, let me clarify: I am not suggesting that recognizing the human person in our midst requires supporting any particular policy stance on immigration, nor would I morally equate opposition to illegal immigration with support of torture.  I'm making a much less ambitious claim.  I have heard similar rhetoric employed regularly, but not universally, on conservative talk radio in debates on immigration and terrorism.  That rhetoric is, in my view, profoundly dehumanizing.

Full post as published by Mirror of Justice on January 30, 2008 (boomark / email).