Christian Right Campaigns for Radical Reform of U.S. Judicial System

Interview with Frederick Clarkson, journalist and author, conducted by Scott Harris

The Conservative Christian fundamentalist movement across America has become an increasingly important constituency within the Republican Party. The Christian Right's ability to mobilize voters is credited with the Republican Party's winning streak in recent national and state elections. Political observers say that on issues such as abortion, gay marriage and stem cell research, Christian conservatives virtually dictate GOP policy positions.

The case of Terry Schiavo in Florida saw President Bush and Republican Congressional leaders attempt to prevent Terry's husband from terminating life-support for the woman who had been in a persistent vegetative state for 15 years. Public opinion swung strongly against the GOP's unsuccessful attempt to intervene in the Schiavo family dispute.

The Christian Right is currently engaged in a fight to transform the nation's judicial system and push for the appointment of conservative judges to the federal bench. Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council is the organizer of two gatherings of conservative clergy and Republican politicians dubbed, "Justice Sunday," the most recent event being held in Nashville on Aug. 14. James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, speaking at the gathering broadcast nationally on TV and radio, branded the judiciary as, "unelected, unaccountable and arrogant." Between The Lines' Scott Harris spoke with Frederick Clarkson, who has written about the religious Right for over two decades. He discusses the goals of the Christian fundamentalist's Justice Sunday campaign and their push to change the balance on the U.S. Supreme Court.

Frederick Clarkson's book, "Eternal Hostility, The Struggle Between Theocracy and Democracy" is published by Common Courage Press. Visit his website at www.FrederickClarkson.com

Related links:

People for the American Way, www.pfaw.org

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