News Roundup for 7/26/10

Loves the Constitution -- until he doesn't

-Headline of the day-
"Tennessee Lt. Gov: Religious Freedom May Not Count For Muslims."

In addressing the "threat that's invading our country from the Muslims," Tennessee Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey told supporters that he believes in the First Amendment and the Constitution, especially that whole part about "Congress shall make no law" on the subject. But Ramsey is canny and thinks he's found a loophole -- Islam is not a religion.

"Now, you could even argue whether being a Muslim is actually a religion, or is it a nationality, way of life, cult whatever you want to call it," Ramsey said. "Now certainly we do protect our religions, but at the same time this is something we are going to have to face."

Of course, Muslims the second-largest religious group in the world, so that kind of blows a hole in this "cult" theory. But that's really not the issue. The issue is fearmongering and kissing xenphobe ass. According to the report, "The question, Ramsey mused, was related to the simmering topic of a new Muslim community center scheduled to be built in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Ramsey, like many conservatives weighing in on the debate, mistakenly confused the center with a mosque -- which Murfreesboro already has -- and then proceeded to foment fears that Sharia law would be practiced by Muslims there."

"Now, you know, I'm all about freedom of religion. I value the First Amendment as much as I value the Second Amendment as much as I value the Tenth Amendment and on and on and on," he said. "But you cross the line when they try to start bringing Sharia Law here to the state of Tennessee -- to the United States. We live under our Constitution and they live under our Constitution."

Well, not exactly, they live under the Constitution and Ramsey lives in an alternate reality where the First Amendment doesn't apply when you arbitrarily declare something a "cult."

I hereby declare the Tea Party a cult and demand they be stripped of all rights forthwith. Ramsey's "reasoning" requires no less. (Talking Points Memo)


-A fine choice, given the crowd-
Remember how Andrew Breitbart convinced everyone that a very nice lady was a horrible racist? I didn't like that much. But my opinion doesn't matter, especially not to the GOP. You know what lying and smearing and being just a general jackass makes you in the Republican party? Here's a fun quiz, choose the answer you think fits best:


1. A worthless hack unworthy of attention.
2. A shameful stain on the reputation of conservatives.
3. A modern American Hero.


Yeah, you see where this is going, don't you? According to the report, "Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele has a party fundraising event coming up in August that is scheduled to feature a very special guest: Conservative media activist Andrew Breitbart..."

That's right, if you make your living telling outlandish lies, the GOP makes you a hero... Just like Sarah Palin! So I'm going to start my career right here and now. Barack Obama is really a goat. I have proof, but it's secret proof, so I can't share it. You gotta trust me on this one. But when have wingnuts ever required proof anyway?

Now schedule me for public appearances and give me a book contract. I'm waiting for the call, Mike. (Talking Points Memo)


-Bonus HotD-
"Tea Party Candidate Ken Buck Concedes There Are Some 'Dumbass' Birthers In The Tea Parties."

No word on whether the Colorado Republican Senate primary candidate thinks there are any genius birthers among the teabaggers. (Think Progress)