Political Cortex: Brain Food for the Body Politic

I was reminded of Americans United, because I had the pleasure of spending an hour today, talking with Rev. Barry Lynn, the executive director of Americans United, on his radio show, Culture Shocks, which airs for an hour each day on six stations.  We discussed, among other things, my recent article in Mother Jones magazine, charting the "Expanding Universe of the Religious Right."

The show currently airs on six stations  KCAA 1050AM in the Los Angeles area, WCBR in Tennessee, KGGM in Louisiana, WASN in Youngstown Ohio and Newcastle, PA, and WARL in Providence RI.  It isn't broadcast in my area, but I thought -- wouldn't it be great if Barry's show appeared on more stations around the country?  There are several ways to listen to Culture Shocks --i ncluding live via MP3 feed. Want to change the national media culture and get more sound analysis of church/state issues into the public discourse?  Why not help get Barry Lynn's show on more stations?

The other reminder I received today, was an email update from Political Research Associates. PRA has been publishing research and writing -- including some of mine -- for more than 25 years. Under new editor Abby Scher, their quarterly magazine The Public Eye, is expanding it's reach, updating and upgrading it's style and design; and is seeking to better integrate old fashioned magazine publishing with the latest uses of web technology. The magazine's content is now available online in a highly useable form.

But here is what leaped out at me from the letter -- the part that reminded me how essential PRA's work is to the progressive movement, and all efforts to understand and respond to the challenges of the religious right:

"Without solid and unexaggerated research and analysis, liberals and progressives will have a hard time securing a foothold in this tough political environment in which the Right holds power. This research helps us avoid traps, like viewing the Right as impossible to challenge, or even omnipotent. We can identify wedge issues which can offer us political opportunities. And by understanding those we disagree with, we can avoid demonization so that our politics remain respectful and effective. These are our goals with the Public Eye magazine."

Ahhh. Let's say that again to ourselves:  "Solid and unexaggerated research and analysis."  

All too often, liberals and progressives push the panic button when presented with new information about the religious right. They sputter and exclaim and before you know it they are talking about Margaret Atwood's novel (or the movie) The Handmaid's Tale. Materials published by PRA are essential in part because they avoid the hype and they don't seek to drive you to hysterical overreaction. They never go apocalyptic on you -- even when they are talking about Tim LaHaye.

It is necessary in our time to get some cool, level headed analysis, and to learn (if we haven't yet) to take it in, in cool, level-headed ways.  We don't have to leave our passion and sense of outrage behind. It's just important not to lose our heads as we engage in this, or any of the central struggles of our time.