Writes Paul Aubert:

I felt compelled to write to you today after reading Eric Margolis’ tirade against Sarah Palin. I always enjoy reading his articles about Afghanistan, Pakistan and other far-off places, but he seemed completely off-base today. He sounded like one of those liberals who hates closed-minded conservatives because they are closed minded but sounds every bit as closed minded in describing the closed mindedness of the conservatives (yes, I meant to use that word that much). For example, these are his critiques of her in a nutshell:
1. The French don’t like her.
2. She’s from a really small town.
3. She has very little experience in running big governmental entities.
4. She likes guns.
5. She is a devout, Evangelical Christian.
6. She is against almost everything Hillary Clinton supports.
None of his criticisms have anything to do with what kinds of actions she might take as a Vice President. Interestingly, I find myself liking her quite a bit if this description is accurate.
Of course, most of his article is a general rant against Evangelical Christians, as if the beliefs of the most vocal of their group are shared verbatim by all of their group. He sounds very much like the self-same vocal leaders of the Evangelical movement when they discuss Islamo-fascism. I get the feeling that if Sarah Palin was a devout Muslim, Eric really wouldn’t have a problem with her. Or a devout Buddhist or Taoist or Shintoist…or Atheist, really anything but a nasty old Evangelical Christian.
I should state for the record that I am a Catholic and have found myself at odds with Evangelical Christians in the past. However, I do get tired of this generic fear and loathing of Christians, as if a belief that Jesus Christ is the Son of God makes someone evil. I find it very neo-connish and not very open-minded at all.
While Americans are vilified for being evil capitalists, we are always one of the most if not the most generous nations in terms of charitable contributions as a percentage of GDP, with no small part being played by the nation’s Christian Churches.
I find Sarah Palin to be like many of my friends who are staunch Republicans. We can agree on many issues relating to big government, taxes and the like, but they love their cops and their military. A lot. I noticed this in attending a Toby Keith/Montgomery Gentry concert this past weekend. They have no qualms about attacking the politicians and the big government mentality that is alive and well in America. However, they also love saluting the troops and screaming about how patriotic they are. It is this jingoism and belief in slogans, platitudes, flags and the like that can lead to fascism. Not Christian beliefs. Muslims, atheists, Hindus and Buddhists can all be led down the same path.