The Anatomy of Power

A friend of mine works for the Texas Freedom Network, a non-profit group whose goal is to ensure religious freedom and individual liberties over the agenda of the religious right in Texas.  The group has just released a new report detailing the merging of the religious right with the leadership of the Republican Party in Texas.  TFN isn't anti-religion (unlike yours truly) and in fact, they work closely with a non-partisan network of mainstream clergy and other people of faith through the Texas Faith Network, 

The report details the rise of the religious right in Texas as well as the influence of a few key groups and players, along with their tactics for portraying religious Americans as a people under constant attack.  From the Executive Summary:

A report such as this is likely to be portrayed by leaders on the religious right as further evidence of a “war on Christianity” and “people of faith” in America today. Indeed, this charge has become the stock in trade for cynical far-right leaders who are adept at using religion to further divide Americans in the raging culture wars. Yet it is hard to reconcile this “language of persecution” with the reality in America today.

The vast majority of Americans proclaim a belief in God and attend church freely and regularly. Religious organizations own and operate radio, television and cable stations across the country, freely promoting religious messages to large audiences. Bible and prayer clubs meet in countless public schools. Decorations and public displays celebrating religious holidays such as Christmas and Easter can be found on almost any street in communities across the country. The truth is that faith and religious freedom are flourishing in America.

Given the current national political landscape, especially the dominance of Texas politicians such as George W. Bush and Tom Delay and the influence of leaders of the far right like the ever-asinine James Dobson on both political circles and the evangelical movement, this report is as much a look at the rise of the religious right nationally as well as in Texas.  Its well worth a read, regardless of your feelings on the matter.