THE SECRET FUNDAMENTALISM AT
THE HEART OF AMERICAN POWER
By; JEFF SHARLET
Mr. Sharlet immersed himself into the heart of the fundamentalist movement to find out personally what was happening. In addition he did deep research into the beginnings and gives great detail and insight. There are numerous endorsements from reputable news outlets and individuals, sufficient to assure me that the content was verifiable. He lays the program open to scrutiny and proves at least to someone like myself that he is telling the truth.
The book was released in 2008. A friend, knowing my inquiring mind, recommended it to me. I purchased it to read while on my annual visit to family back East. I finished it before landing in Tucson. It was a tough read, not just because of the small print and length but because of the content.
Most of you who will read this report will not be pleased. Rather than get angry with me, I ask you to check it out for yourselves and read other books that might counter this one. While I don’t take issue with the millions who seek support by attending fundamental churches, I do take umbrage at the driving force of the leaders, who as the author states, are more interested in power than in helping the poor. There are numerous references to their admiration of fascist regimes including Hitler in the thirties, stating that where two or three are gathered together great results can be achieved. This was in reference to Hitler and Mussolini. This was not necessarily supporting the ends they achieved but rather the totalitarian process which is more productive than a democracy with the many factions to be listened too. Page 130- What was desired was a “God-controlled Fascist dictatorship”.
The other theme that runs throughout the book is that the poor will be with us always and that real progress will only be achieved by ignoring the poor while keeping the power and influence in the hands of a select few individuals whose only requirement is devotion to someone called Christ. Not the teachings of Jesus which we try to adhere to but some vague person of power. The quote about “bringing a sword not peace” is repeated several times.
These people provided leadership supporting using our armed forces or by supplying weapons to dictators around the world resulting in millions of dead people, women and children included, all in the attempt to eradicate communism. Our government leaders such as Ford, Reagan, H. Clinton and many others are implicated in the search for a world order under the banner of Christianity. Places like East Timor, Chili, El Salvador and others are documented.
On page 260 there is a quote by Senator Sam Brownback. It was, “Washington right now is a town where if you’re going to be powerful, you need religion. That’s just the way it is”.
My personal opinion is that religion as the driving source can be dangerous whether Christian or Muslim. Spending our capitol and the lives of our troops in the field because of religious beliefs is wrong. Only when we band together as people of God, whoever called, will be able to rise above hatred and move forward creating a better world for all.
I wonder who, if anyone will take the time to read this book?
Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
September 12, 2009
jackbwalters@yahoo.com
About Me
- Jack B. Walters
- I graduated from the Univ. of Buffalo in 1954 as an electrical engr. I joined the Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. and worked for Firestone for the next 28 years. I was promoted to the position of Plant Manager of the Des Moines, Iowa Plant in 1972. I was invited to be a member of newly elected Governor Branstad's staff as the Director of General Services. I served in that position for 8 years. I retired to Tucson 21 years ago. I am an outdoor enthusiast. I belong to the Southern Arizona Hiking Club and just before my 70th birthday I completed the 315 peaks award. Later a new goal of 400 peaks was established by the club. I achieved this in 2008. I also keep struggling with my pitiful attempts to play decent golf. I started writing in March,2003. My first book, "The Life and Times of Jack B. Walters" was essentially my recollection of important events in my lifetime. I wrote a second book,"The Last Angry Man" which includes many articles written starting in 2003 thru 2006. My latest book entitled "Still Angry" was published in 2010. It coverered my thoughts during 2007 to 2010. All the books were published by Trafford Publishing in Vancouver, B.C. Canada.
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