For many people on this side of the Atlantic, I suspect their impressions of Fox News’ Glenn Beck are mediated through the spoofs of Daily Show comedian Jon Stewart, whose programme is aired on Channel 4.
Beck identifies himself with Christian America, and is a self-proclaimed guardian of what he perceives to be America’s Christian values. Last month, it was revealed that Beck’s staff is now ‘funding opposition research and internet attack campaigns’ against Christian pastors who disagree with his vision of America.
Continue reading ‘Fox News on Witch Hunt for Christian Pastors?’
Are atheists marginalised in our public conversations, even in the largely secular West? Last week, atheists had their first ever official visit to the White House. Sixty representatives from the Secular Coalition for America met with officials and discussed issues ranging from child medical neglect, military proselytizing, and faith-based initiatives. USA Today reports that ‘this is the first time an administration has met with a non-theist community.’
This has, of course, prompted outrage from the expected quarters in the US, where there is a significant minority that believes that atheism and secularism will be the downfall of the country. USA Today quotes the chairman of a group called In God We Trust, who claims:
Continue reading ‘Atheism in the Public Square: Marginalised or Militant?’
Saturday’s Irish Times outlines the options facing President Barack Obama and the Democratic Party in their efforts to pass health care reform in the United States. I’m an American, and I have followed the somewhat tedious rounds of debates with both amazement and despair.
Many Americans believe they have the best health care system in the world. That’s what the Republicans have said, although they also have said that the system is broken. Then there is Fox News, whose presenters continually shout about how horrible ‘socialised’ health care is in the UK or Canada.
Continue reading ‘US Health Care Debate – Christian Options?’
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