James Dobson, of Focus on the Family, is well known for his extreme anti-feminist, anti-gay, pro-child- (and dog-) beating, “pro-family” philosophy. Bill Bennet, self-appointed “values” czar, is known for his compulsive gambling problems. Sen. George Allen, who recently came under fire for making racist comments, is also known to have a history of violence. Ann Coulter is known for desiring the death and destruction of a number of non-conservative (“non-conservative” is actually a stretch when desribing the New York Times, but you get my point) citizens. Jerry Falwell blamed gays, feminists and the ACLU for the attacks of September 11, 2001. And Sean Hannity’s nightly broadcasts speak for themselves.
These people are all part of the Values Voter Summit that will be held September 22-24 in Washington, D.C. to help mobilize conservative Christian voters.
But they are not alone. Joining them will be White House Press Secretary Tony Snow and U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. The ersatz president’s official spokesman and the highest-ranking official in the Department of Justice will gather together to discuss how to “take back” the country from people who believe in free speech, separation of church and state, and equal rights. This is compassionate conservatism at its most flagrant.