Written by Don Byrd
When Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (R-MN) and Military Religious Freedom Foundation head Mikey Weinstein decide to argue an issue head-to-head, there is about a zero percent chance the tone will be calm and deferential. Bachmann took to the political arena, calling church-state advocates like Weinstein “anti-Christian” in a campaign letter to her supporters. She also accuses church-state separationists of wanting to deny military personnel the right to practice their faith.
Sheesh. So much for a thoughtful discussion of the fragile line between religious exercise and improper coercion in the context of military relationships and structures.
Not to be outdone, Weinstein is threatening to sue Rep. Bachmann for her statements.
“We are caucusing with our legal counsel to consider the most expeditious course of action we can take in a federal court to stop these bald-faced lies,” Weinstein tells Whispers of Bachmann’s email and pledge. Bachmann’s office did not respond to multiple requests for comment. “About 96 percent of our members [at MRFF] are Protestant or Roman Catholic… of our unpaid volunteers, at least well over 80 percent are Christian… I say [to Bachmann]: Tell it to the judge.”
Meanwhile, a joint statement of Southern Baptist leaders wants to suggest an organized anti-Christian campaign of suspicious activity (which some people call a conspiracy) while promising that is not what they are suggesting. (“We have no interest in fomenting conspiracy theories or faux outrage… At the same time…”; “We reject any and all attempts to sensationalize or misrepresent situations, in this or any other context. Having said that…”).
All of this over a report that has been thoroughly rebutted by the military. The reiteration of policy is not a change in policy. I guess non-news won’t stop some from having a rhetorical field day.
