Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, June 5, 1995 TAG: 9506060050
SECTION: EDITORIALS PAGE: A-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Newt Gingrich was there, promising to bring to a vote every item in the contract. Phil Gramm was present, calling for a restoration of Christian values and pledging to oppose "federal efforts to dictate culture." Ralph Reed, the Christian Coalition's young executive director, was there, of course, describing the 10-point legislative agenda as "suggestions," not "commandments." Sen. Bob Dole met conspicuously with Reed afterwards.
Not there, but behind the scenes, was the Virginia-based religious broadcaster and conspiracy peddler, Pat Robertson, the leader of the Christian Coalition who harbors some pretty wild and scary ideas.
All was sweetness and light, though, in the coalition's presentation of its wish list to GOP congressional leaders and presidential candidates. After all, the coalition helped elect Republicans in their landslide last year, helped build grass-roots support for Gingrich's Contract with America, and has raised a lot of money for the party.
Now the group is calling in debts, asking for its own contract. Who are Republican leaders to say no?
Reed admits the contract is just a start, so as not to scare off the public. On the surface, it oozes moderation. But its aim remains clear: to bridge the separation of church and state, to attack women's abortion rights, to transform America into a Christian nation.
This agenda is entirely within the rights of Robertson, Reed, et al. to pursue, of course. But one question is whether disagreement with the particulars of their agenda implies you are something less than a family-loving, right-thinking loyal American and good Christian. Another question is whether Republicans really want to find themselves tied by contractual obligation - suggestions, commandments or otherwise - to the Christian Coalition.
by CNB