DiscussMormonism.com

I just heard a really interesting interview by Rachel Maddow, of Jeff Sharlet, author of, The Family: the secret fundamentalism at the heart of American Power.

Wow!

Anyone read, The Family?

They are the Family—fundamentalism's avant-garde, waging spiritual war in the halls of American power and around the globe. They consider themselves the new chosen—congressmen, generals, and foreign dictators who meet in confidential cells, to pray and plan for a "leadership led by God," to be won not by force but through "quiet diplomacy." Their base is a leafy estate overlooking the Potomac in Arlington, Virginia, and Jeff Sharlet is the only journalist to have reported from inside its walls.

In speaking of the powerful men (for example, Mark Sanford, Tom Coburn, John Ensign) who have lived in the C street church, I mean house, Jeff said that these guys believe that they are above the law; laws of morality do not apply to them.

If you get a chance to see the interview it is really interesting.



~td~

truth dancer wrote: Jeff said that these guys believe that they are above the law; laws of morality do not apply to them.

Gosh, this sounds familiar.

truth dancer wrote:I just heard a really interesting interview by Rachel Maddow, of Jeff Sharlet, author of, The Family: the secret fundamentalism at the heart of American Power.

I saw the interview. Very scary. It reminded me of some things that go on in the temple.

truth dancer wrote:[...] John Ensign [...] laws of morality do not apply to them.

Hmmmm....

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/16/john-ensign-affair-gop-se_n_216451.html
http://www.rgj.com/article/20090616/NEWS07/90616032

Edit:
Now his not following the SOP of resigning makes a lot more sense.

Hi TD, nice to 'see' you :-) Didn't see the interview. How can I? Read what I could from the site you refered.

I can understand the appeal to the above average guy who sees himself : Self confident, self appreciated, ambitious, purpose-driven, perceptive, astute, self-confident (again), self sustaining, gregarious, aspiring to do "good"--that needs doing, wanting to undo "bad"--that is being done >>>>>>> Authoritarian in nature and persuasive in temperment. (Similar to some here, eh? Me included :-)
Like really-good (above-average:-) LDS Missionaries, and LDS leaders who endorse the Totalitarian model...
Scarry, yes. But becoming more transparent with the advancement of higher education to a greater number.
IMSCO, Obama is one of the the first to emerge from that advancing-education process. The "Old Boys" will eventually die off. (Including me ;-) As I sense it...
Roger
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Roger, you can just google it. It is on youtube!

Wow, is right. Now, the King David references make sense. Wow, again!

Hey Roger... so happy to see you! :-)

Here is a link: C street

These powerful, elite men, (some of whom have been in the news lately for their affairs), believe they are "chosen," and, "above the law." They think of women along the lines of some other patriarchal men we know. Basically, women are there for their sexual use.

What fascinates me is how common this phenomenon is; some powerful men feel so incredibly special; the rules no longer apply to them; they are in a very different class, chosen by God to save the world. Or something.

Oh, the lies, sex, and secrets, all mixed up with religion!

I've got to get the book!

Thanks for the connections... They seem a bit hyped (sensationalized) from my more placid Canadian character

Gotta know these episodes were not masturbational. There was/were enablers of their performances. How do the women fit into these dramas? Dragged-bound-and-gagged; kicking-&-screaming?? Or, willing and compliant, enjoying and rewarded for their roles?

Nothing new. Monarchies, aristocracies, serfs & peons all have their share of adulterers--male & female. Often having little effect on their ability to perform vocationally/professionally. Me thinks the sex thing too often over shadows other more important branches of 'morality'... The guy Jesus hardly mentions it???

OTOH, the other goals of "The Family" deserve real scrutiny. Could be media emphasis on their sexual practice is a deversionary tactic away from the greater social issues needing attention?
Roger
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