Religious Left Wants More Airtime-Will Anyone Listen?

A new research project by the liberal media watchdog group, Media Matters for America, gave me a laugh this week. The report found 3.3 appearances by conservative religious leaders for every one appearance by "progressives" (read the religious left) when being quoted in print and television.

Fresh off a homosexual rally this past week, Rev. Bob Edgar, said that "I have long felt that the media has given Americans a distorted view of what people of faith believe." Not wanting to miss out on a media opportunity, as he figured that if he did not speak, Tony Perkins would get to speak 3.3 more times him, Brian McClaren was eager to point out that people like Dr. James Dobson, Pat Robertston and the late Jerry Falwell are "outgoing" and "aging tide". Then, McClaren, figuring that he could further boost the 3.3 to 1 ratio, pointed out the agenda of the religious left with a few highlights: climate change, fair trade and heath care.

Thanks for the survey telling us what we know already, guys. The religious left, lead by the likes of Jim Wallis, McClaren and Edgar, have major political and theological issues, namely, they align themselves with issues and candidates that are supportive of abortion and homosexuality; things that Christian conservatives do not agree with. Saving the trees and the whales does not hold the same weight in the minds of those Christians who uphold the value of life, do not condone same sex marriage and think that Al Gore's environmental theories are about as real as his invention of the Internet.

In the coming weeks, they will get to work on their 3.3 to 1 ratio with a political debate featuring Hillary Clinton and John Edwards that will be aired on national television. Ironically, there will be no Republicans at this event.