When President Clinton won the White House in 1992, he was hounded by right wing zealots who accused him of everything from corruption to murder. The cries became so loud that a special prosecutor was appointed to investigate. Armed with an unlimited budget, he and the right wing accusers were eventually able to impeach the President for oral sex in the White House. (Oh my!)
This very coordinated effort by so-called conservatives was labeled the vast right wing conspiracy. While at the time that label might have seemed over the top, it was, in fact, correct. There was a conspiracy. And this coalition of Republicans, Christian fundamentalists and conservative talk show hosts is at it again with their sights set on President Obama.
But the conspiracy goes well beyond trying to discredit Democratic Presidents.
In fact, Republicans and Christian fundamentalists have been conspiring against all non-believing U.S. citizens for years. In the Republican revolution led by Ronald Reagan and Jerry Falwell, the intent was to eliminate all so-called entitlements, such as welfare, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. In the new United States, such programs would be replaced by personal responsibility. If you get in trouble, youre on your own.
Of course, labor unions would be banned as an impediment to corporate growth. As a result of a new, paternalistic relationship between corporate leaders and employees, they would be unnecessary. (Never mind that we once had a similar system in which industrialists became known as robber barons and employees were little more than slaves.)
But the ambition of many conservatives doesnt end with corporations in complete economic control. Many Republicans would take things a step farther. In the words of Senator Sam Brownback as reported by Jeff Sharlet in the book The Family, the goal is to create a nation and economy under God. The philosophy of these fundamentalists is expressed in Romans 13: The powers that be are ordained by God. In other words, might makes right.
Based on the legislative initiatives of Brownback and his fellowship, there would be death penalties for abortion providers. Gay marriage would, of course, be banned. Public schools would be undermined by school vouchers. Of course, prayer in school would be mandatory and creationism would replace evolution on the curriculums. The only sex education would be abstinence. Hate crimes would be only those against Christians. We wouldnt bother with diplomacy, especially with nations like North Korea. And we would immediately declare war on Iran and, likely, every other Muslim nation.
Theres just one sticky little problem. Its called the Constitution.