[suebee]

Originally Posted by labete

Robertson is a man of frightening undue influence, and his ilk are highly influential in U.S. politics. Take a look at Wikipedia on "The Fellowship" aka "The Family" (Google for lots more info, or watch Rachel Maddow give you an overview.)

The United States isn't as politically conservative, especially on social issues, as it is because of the "Moral Majority" or high levels of voter backlash against boogeymen. There is some of that, but it's not where the power is. It is because there are people with loads of power and money who are very invested in ensuring that conservatism, and who network, recruit, support in all kinds of ways, people to do the work to make that happen. Some of the faces change, but the mission statement remains the same. It's like the "good ol' boy network," but specifically for socially conservative Christianist politicians and political workers (lobbyists, Congressional and White House staffers, etc.).

Some of them are cynics looking for a good hook into power, and others are true believers in the cause, but either way the net result is the perpetuation of ultra-conservative mores, especially in circles of influence.

I agree with you Labete, but this particular incident went further than conservatism - it's pretty clear racism.