The radical Ansar al-Sunnah Army and two other insurgent groups issued a statement Thursday warning that democracy was un-Islamic. Democracy could lead to passing un-Islamic laws, such as permitting homosexual marriage...
Boy, how ironic would it be if the same fear of gay marriage which helped propel Bush to electoral victory in the U.S. was used by extremists to defeat his commitment to democratic elections in Iraq?
The answer is: "So Very!"
Luckily, I know of a Louisianan who could help. Tony Perkins, President of the Family Research Council, should directly address Ansar al-Sunnah and calm their fears about gay marriage's chances at the ballot box. It's the activist liberal courts that are the real threat. Perkins could reassure these insurgents that appeals to bigotry still win big in conservative democracies. They needn't be alarmed; progressivism can be curtailed with good marketing. Perkins is clearly the one to make this argument because both he (and his flock) have also been chosen by the God of Abraham to win this important fight against gays. To wit:
This is our hour. By God's sovereign design He has chosen this generation to defend His institution of marriage, to save a nation, to preserve civilization. He has chosen you and He has chosen me for such a time as this.
Jeff Crouere has more about Perkins' political prospects in New Orleans CityBusiness (sub req):
Looking ahead: In Louisiana, 2005 will be a year of political preparation for Congressional elections in 2006 and statewide elections in 2007. Republicans are already targeting Democratic Sen. Mary Landrieu of New Orleans, who faces re-election in 2008. Across the state, billboards have started appearing with Landrieu's picture and the warning, "You're next."
Of course, there is a political eternity between now and 2008. Some Republicans hope Jindal will run against Landrieu while others in the religious right are convinced the best candidate is former Rep. Tony Perkins, who is now president of the Family Research Council.
I'll maintain a discerning eye on Mr. Perkins in coming months. Today I think his expertise is urgently needed in Baghdad.
