For now, there appears to be a line that those seeking to stop the so-called “Islamization” of America won’t cross. It’s not that they disagree with Terry Jones’ assessment of Islam, but they are reluctant to make the unwise choice of burning Korans.

Video on Franklin Graham shows just why there is so much vitriol and hatred toward the Park51 project or the “Ground Zero Mosque”

The hysteria surrounding the “Ground Zero Mosque” that really cannot be seen from Ground Zero has nothing to do with some impending Islamic fundamentalist quest to impose Sharia Law in America. It has everything to do with a toxic patriotism fueled by evangelical political activism in this country.

Weekly Pulse: The Religious Right vs. Birth Control

by Lindsay Beyerstein, Media Consortium blogger

Does health care reform’s promise of preventive care extend to free birth control? Officials at the Department of Health and Human Services have 18 months to decide whether to require insurers to provide oral contraceptives, IUDs, and other prescription birth control with no co-pay. With pro-choice Secretary Kathleen Sebelius at the helm, HHS is expected to say yes.

[Update: The Wall Street Journal is reporting that birth control will not be on the White House's preliminary list of free preventive services, to be issued today. However, as Miriam Perez of feministing explains, HHS will ultimately have the final word. Observers, including Dana Goldstein who covers reproductive rights for the Daily Beast, are optimistic that the pro-choice side will carry the day at HHS.]

The conservative obsession (and I think it is fair to call it an obsession) with the sex other people are having is beyond my capacity to understand. Call it self-involved if you must but I just can’t muster any interest in sex which I am not involved in. If your kink is that you like to dress like Shirley Temple and have your partner spank you with a hockey stick, as long as you are both adults and are into it, go for it. I. Don’t. Care.

Sadly the Religious Right in this country does. Whether they are just being incredibly cynical and found a relatively small group to use to whip up a frenzy among their base or they have a genuine (and let’s never forget deeply bigoted) objection based on an interpretation of their holy books, they feel like it is their job to police the actions of their fellow citizens when it comes to sexuality.

"Originally posted at Squarestate.net"

You would think that with the myriad of problems that face our country (two wars, a stagnant economy, the BP Oil disaster, climate change, etc, etc, etc) that the issue of sexuality would be one they could let slide. You would, of course, be wrong in thinking that. It seems that everyday there is some Religious Right person or group that has been captured by them (Texas Republican Platform Committee, I am looking right at you) spouts off about gay sex.

Over the last couple of days Gov. Mike Huckabee has taken some well deserved heat over his use of the phrase “ick factor” when talking about gay marriage. The whole quote was:

“I do believe that God created male and female and intended for marriage to be the relationship of the two opposite sexes. Male and female are biologically compatible to have a relationship. We can get into the ‘ick factor,’ but the fact is two men in a relationship, two women in a relationship, biologically, that doesn’t work the same.”

There are a lot of wacky people in the world. At times it is part of the joy of living, when you run into someone who is willing to give you a five hour mini-seminar on crop-circles or try to explain the universe with the theories of Immanuel Velikovsky. If you have a reasonable sense of the ridiculous and a lot of time on your hands it is a harmless source of entertainment. The problem comes when one persons wackiness intersects with the legislative process.

This is where we are in at least two states, Virginia and Georgia in regards to the forced implantation of micro-chips. Last night Rachel Maddow had a piece about the testimony given by a woman to the legislature.

"Originally posted at Squarestate.net"

She talked about how she should have the right to work without being tortured by her coworkers activating the chip that she claims was installed in her “genital area”, just by the use of electronic devices, such as cell phones.

A fat survey arrived in the mailboxes of a purported 2 million seniors who have been put on a mailing list that caters to elderly right wingers. The ‘Christian Seniors Association’ is raising funds for what it says is the purpose of lobbying against President Obama and AARP for their ‘socialist’ agenda.

Christian militia group called Hutaree charged with plot to kill cops are expected to be unsealed when some of the suspects appear in court later Monday.

In two interviews yesterday, Bart Stupak revealed a great deal about himself, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, politics and the internal workings of our “pro-choice” Democratic party.  First, in what shouldn’t be surprising to anyone, Stupak told Fox News that he “doesn’t listen to nuns.” 

Written by Jodi Jacobson, editor of RHRealityCheck.org – News, commentary and community for reproductive health and justice.

Stegall says that Mr. Culberth, former detained Baptist Missionary, will be making an appearance on the Today Show soon, likely with his attorney present. My guess is that a trusting, relieved to be home Mr. Culberth has no idea the right wing political ride he is about to be taken on.