Confederacy Of Dipwits

It's been awhile since Conservatives have had anything to complain about – and it shows. The pressure seems to have been building. First we have Gary Bauer (Via Josh):

Under this agreement it is now more likely that radical social change will continue to be forced on the American people by liberal courts committed to same sex marriage, abortion on demand and hostility to religious expression. The Republicans who lent their names to this travesty have undercut their President as well as millions of their most loyal voters. Shame on them all.

That was fun. Let's check out what James Dobson had to say:

We share the disappointment, outrage and sense of abandonment felt by millions of conservative Americans who helped put Republicans in power last November. I am certain that these voters will remember both Democrats and Republicans who betrayed their trust.

Are most sentient people are able to recognize fanaticism when they see it? That's a tough call. History is replete with examples of entire populations succumbing to the manipulations of propaganda, demagoguery, and/or religious indoctrination. Still, for all the press guys like Dobson get (and his influence among the devout is substantial; see 1/2 of Jeff Sharlet's latest article on the subject), it's hard to regard them as anything other than charismatic personalities who have become seduced – in a very mundane way - by politics. Consider that the above statements are made in reference to the fact that the traditions of cloture in the Senate remain relatively unchanged. That's it. So why the rhetorical fireworks? Either they're simply run-of-the-mill fanatics, or they're bored and like to say jazzy and provocative things. The real question is, of course, is anybody (aside from Freepers and their ilk) buying this crap.