Compromise

The Senate did what the Senate should do – compromise. The “middle” held during this round of our continuing governmental crisis. The fundamentalist social and political forces on the right and left condemn compromise. They can be satisfied only with complete victory and the obliteration of their “enemies.” How can a democracy function if the loyal opposition is demonized to such a degree? How can a democracy function if debate, disagreement, and compromise are not upheld as the ideal?
I am so hesitant to use words like “Fascist” or “Fundamentalist” in their pejorative meanings to describe people and movements because we can have honest, real, and strongly held opinions and disagreements, but when those who advocate and demand their positions be the only positions possible and demand that their positions be imposed upon everyone else, then the term “Fascist” or “Fundamentalist” may certainly apply.
Below is an excerpt from a recent press release from Focus on the Family Action, their political arm, after the Senate compromise concerning the Filibuster and conservative judicial nominees was announced. Dobson is becoming, I fear, someone in the likeness of a Fascist (or similar political/social theory). He and his political organization look more and more like the radical religious Fundamentalists who are causing such havoc throughout the world.
He, and those like him and who agree with him, cannot countenance compromise. It is either their viewpoint/position/theology/social theory, or nothing. He and those like him are not “democrats” or “conservatives” in the generally accepted and traditional definitions of these words. The way he expresses his Christian faith causes me to pause. Even the elect can be deceived; and I wonder more and more whether the politicized American Evangelical and Fundamentalist movements are being lead down a path of deception.
Here is the quote:

“This Senate agreement represents a complete bailout and betrayal by a cabal of Republicans and a great victory for united Democrats,” Dobson said. “Only three of President Bush’s nominees will be given the courtesy of an up-or-down vote, and it’s business as usual for all the rest. The rules that blocked conservative nominees remain in effect, and nothing of significance has changed.
“Justice Clarence Thomas, Justice Antonin Scalia, and Chief Justice William Rehnquist would never have served on the U. S. Supreme Court if this agreement had been in place during their confirmations. The unconstitutional filibuster survives in the arsenal of Senate liberals.
“We are grateful to Majority Leader Frist for courageously fighting to defend the vital principle of basic fairness,” Dobson added. “That principle has now gone down to defeat. 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.”