February 1, 2010
The premise of this blog is to discuss how the three topics are so interrelated. I believe that many use religion (and the use of the word "religion" infers organized institutional religions, not personal spirituality), to literally get to heaven. So these religions tell people exactly what they must believe and do to achieve this happy immortality. This is the basis of the core of the religious right: you must be against any form or demonstration of homosexuality, and be against abortion. Often times these issues are used to manipulate the results of entire elections. This occurred in Ohio in 2004. As most know, Ohio went to Bush which resulted in the election being called for Bush. Most also know that Ohio had a big anti-gay amendment up for vote. So those religious right Republican fearing homosexuals made sure come hell or high water, they would show up to vote. And they might as well vote for their boy George while there. Sadly, those not afraid that their children would be molested or converted to homosexuality, did not feel compelled to come out to vote. Many of these would have voted Democratic.
Unfortuately, this society has proven to be more prone to show up on election day to cast a vote of fear, than to cast one of courage. This happened in California last November. More people afraid of homosexuals showed up to vote than those who believed banning gay marriage was wrong. Sadly, fear tends to make people act.
So what does this have to do with education? The more educated someone is the more likely they are to understand how prejudice and violation of human rights is counterproductive to the health of society. How does this explain all those highly educated religious right who are championing anti gay legislation and the repeal of Roe v. Wade?
I believe the answer lies with the fact that they are not interested in society functioning at its highest level. They are highly invested in personal power; or the illusion of it.
If those neo conservative right wingers can keep people scared of going to hell, and keep them from using logic and reason (learned through education), they keep the power.
Religious zealots actually tell their followers that asking too many questions is actually Satan infecting their minds, so instead they just need to accept what is told to them. Well the educated free thinking mind cannot do this. (A relative of mine when questioned about creationism says she does not have to explain dinosaur bones, she simply needs to believe).
We are constantly told how there is never enough money spent on education. Why is this? There IS enough money, why isn't it being used? Why in the Florida legislature every bill entered that had to do with increased spending on education was voted down by every Republican? Could it be that an ignorant society strenghens their base? Of course it does! How the hell did George Bush get elected? Because Democrat Bill Clinton could not keep his pants on: a moral issue, not one that affected any other American except Hillary and Monica Lewinsky. Yet the religious right convinced enough ignorant people that this indiscretion threatened the very core of America, and the ignorant of America bought it hook, line and sinker. That is how we ended up with George W. Bush.
Enough for now. I welcome your comments.

Thank you,

Judy