Karen Kwiatkowski on Pope George

[arisbe]

Perhaps understanding George W. Bush as pontifex maximus, and civil religion as adoration of a strong central governing authority makes sense. It explains the "God picked me to be President" thing, and why Mr. Bush doesn’t need to read anything written on paper, preferring instead to get guidance – on blowing the budget, conducting military invasions, public prevarication, and spending billions of our hard earned money to encourage people to stop taking steroids and get married instead – directly from some higher power. Dick Cheney, perhaps.

Comments

[joffridus.livejournal.com]

Does referring to GW as a "pontifex" in general bother anyone as much as it bothers me?

How about the idea that one potential World Trade architect had to put up American "altars" in the new center?

How about referring to Madonna and Britney Spears as American "icons"?

Does religion have any meaning outside the political in America?

No

[realimposter.livejournal.com]

I don't think it ever did.

Certainly, when one reads Abraham Lincoln's writings, that becomes more clear.

I mean, it's a straight line from ole Honest Abe to Pat Robertson.

Re: No

[joffridus.livejournal.com]

I mean, it's a straight line from ole Honest Abe to Pat Robertson

Unfortunately, I'm afraid that I have to agree with you.

[nephthys510.livejournal.com]

Absolutely.

The first moment when it became clear to me was when he declared that his "war on terror" was a Crusade.

Who does he think he is? Innocent II? When do we start ridding the country of heretics?

[rengal.livejournal.com]

lol -- that is very cleverly written.