As we noted in a report in 2006, it has become increasingly difficult to see much difference between the Republican Party of Texas and the religious right. As early as 1993, in fact, the resignation letter of the president of the Alamo City Republican Women’s Club in San Antonio lamented the transformation of the state GOP into an increasingly intolerant and overtly conservative evangelical Christian party:
“The so-called Christian activists have finally gained control. The Grand Old Party is more religious cult than political organization.”
So we were fascinated by Austin American-Statesman reporter Ken Herman’s video report from the prayer rally at the Texas Republican Party’s convention on Saturday. Says Herman:
“It’s here in the convention hall at 7 a.m. on Saturday that you can see the faith that drives the politics. It’s a very specific brand of faith.”
Indeed. Listen to Cathie Adams (who was still the party’s chair at that point) at the rally:
“America and Americans, we were founded as a Judeo-Christian nation and we are proud of that.”
In fact, listening to certain Republican state officials over the last decade or so — not to mention their supporters in far-right pressure groups — makes clear that they value an exclusive brand of “Judeo-Christianity” (and one in which the “Judeo” part is clearly subordinate). Those who don’t share the same ideological perspective on a long list of issues — even fellow Republicans — don’t qualify for the club.
Check out Herman’s video report of the Texas GOP prayer rally here.
