Moral Capital?

The Republicans exploitation of faith for political gain is beginning to back-fire. A party whose political strategy is built on the "moral high ground” has at last found a serious problem in the Foley scandal. It appears its reach goes beyond one man and has become increasingly difficult to sweep under the rug. As a result some are finally predicting that the Republican's reign is in its twilight. Why, after 6 years of bi-weekly scandals, does it take salacious text messages for the media to proclaim this rug has been pulled from under the elephant? The answer lies in the Republican’s ability to justify their agenda by connecting it with the religious right. I mean not to dilute the significance of Foley's transgression but there are other issues with the Republicans that effect millions of other people domestically and abroad. Among them are the war in Iraq and the Katrina debacle. Moral issues have been the Republicans' stratigical bread and butter during the last 2 elections. If the same voters who have been swayed by this tactic are still paying attention then the Republicans chances of retaining 'both high ground' and capital hill are going stale.

The GOP's growing rash of desperation, further irritated by the unfolding Foley scandal, has been exposed by their emphasise on 'moral issues'. Included on the ballot this November in Tennessee will be a vote to amend the state’s constitution to make same-sex marraige illegal. There is already a law forbidding it. The Defense of Marriage Act was passed 10 years ago. Why, then, put it on the ballot? ‘Tis the season. Election season. Simply the mention of this issue is enough to strip a conservative of their American Apathy and get them off their couch and into a voting booth. Someone who isn’t gay and wouldn’t otherwise vote would be less likely to go out of there way to do so. Conversely, someone who supports making gay marriage unconstitutional would be more likely to go to the poll with this only in mind. In other words; churches will now fill their buses to the polls. Repugnance is a greater motivator than empathy. Any guesses as to which side of the fence these car-poolers will vote once the curtain is drawn? You know. And so do they. The tactics of the desperate destract while significant issues remain neglected...