BASEHOR, Kan. - Sam Brownback is a member of a curious religious group with a twisted view of morality. The founder (and father of the group's current leader) says that members should be forgiven for crimes, even for crimes like rape, because members are really above the law since they're among the "chosen."
Here's an excerpt from the linked story, where Brownback (and Todd Tiahrt) is mentioned as a member.
Doug Coe, David Coe's father and leader of The Family fellowship going back to the mid '60s, likes to call The Family "The Christian Mafia." I knew Coe when I was part of The Family. He explained what it means to be a chosen politician.Talking to another man, he said, "Let me explain to you the concept of 'chosen.'
Suppose I hear you raped three little girls. What would I think of you?"
The man says, "You would think I was awful, a monster."
And Doug Coe said, "No, I would not, because you're chosen, and when you're chosen, the normal rules don't apply."
Brownback is a member of this organization. What does that tell you? Will Brownback disavow Doug Coe's statement?
Just a heads ups to those who might be interested...
On November 12th I will have Jeff Sharlet, author of "The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power," as a guest on my weekly radio show - Community Bridge. The program airs each Thursday on KSDB 91.9 FM MAnhattan @ 5:00 pm. Those not in the Manhattan area can listen via the Internet by going to www.wildcat919.com and clocking the "Listen Live" button, or the show will also be available as a podcast the following day at http://communitybridge.blogspot.com.
In 2006, Sharlet wrote "God's Senator" - an in-depth analysis of Brownback's non-mainstream religious ideology appeared in Rolling Stone. It is well worth the time it takes to read. You can find it at: http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/9178374/gods_senator
I received a response awhile back from Senator Brownback to a petition/email inundation website I signed about overfishing our oceans. I'll let the contents of the letter speak for the Senator. Please note particularly Paragraph 3:
"August 26, 2009
Dear Mr. Henderson:
Thank you for contacting me regarding cruelty to animals. I appreciate your taking the time to contact me on such an important issue. There is no better guide to making tough decisions than hearing from the people whom I serve.
There are several issues to consider regarding treatment of animals. From trade issues, to scientific studies, to the way the people treat their pets, cruelty to animals is something that cannot be considered lightly. Having grown up on a family farm in Kansas, I know first-had the importance of humane treatment to animals. I share your concerns about cruelty to animals and like most people, and I believe we should not be needlessly cruel to animals.
Additionally, I have supported efforts in the Senate that protect animals. Recently, I signed a letter to President Bush encouraging him to continue to oppose Japan's whaling program."
There's obviously no need for me to copy the rest of his letter in this space. I have long thought that Sen. Brownback was out of touch with his constituents, but now I can't help but think he has lost touch with reality in general.
In kindlier terms, one might write this off as an administrative, clerical error on the part of his staff. But, if he cannot administer his office staff any better than to avoid mistakes such as this, what business does he have administering the State of Kansas, the governorship of which he aspires to?
Christopher, thanks for telling us about your radio program! You do such great work on the radio and I know we want to know about your programs. I hope you'll keep us well informed about other shows too.