McCain's advisor: Destroy Islam
Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:26:56
http://www.presstv.com/photo/20080313/mortazavi20080313091359734.JPG John McCain (L) and Rod Parsley
Televangelist Rod Parsley, a key McCain ally in Ohio and his spiritual adviser, has called for eradicating Islam as a 'false religion'.

Senator John McCain hailed as a spiritual adviser an Ohio megachurch pastor who has called upon Christians to wage a "war" against Islam with the aim of destroying it.

On February 26, McCain appeared at a campaign rally in Cincinnati with the Reverend Rod Parsley of the World Harvest Church of Columbus. During the rally McCain called the evangelical minister a "spiritual guide."

The leader of a 12,000-member congregation, Parsley has written several books outlining his fundamentalist religious outlook.

Parsley in his book "The 2005 Silent No More" in a chapter titled "Islam: The Deception of Allah," warns there is a "war between Islam and Christian civilization."
He also calls Islam as an "anti-Christ religion", urging the US to launch a new crusade to eradicate Islam.

In the past Parsley's church has been accused of engaging in pro-Republican partisan activities in violation of its tax-exempt status.

McCain's relationship with Parsley is politically significant. In 2004, Parsley's church was credited with driving Christian fundamentalist voters to the polls for George W. Bush.

http://www.presstv.com/detail.aspx?i...tionid=3510203 (http://www.presstv.com/detail.aspx?id=47232&sectionid=3510203)

In the past Parsley's church has been accused of engaging in pro-Republican partisan activities in violation of its tax-exempt status. Reading this guy's comments (and Hagee's for that matter), it's hard to see just how he retains tax-exempt status. I recall that the IRS investigated a church and considered revoking that status merely because they hosted an anti-war speaker.

Maybe they know some Scientologists.

Yet another highwater mark for organized religion.

The most damning lines in that article aren't in quotes. I wonder why?

The most damning lines in that article aren't in quotes. I wonder why?

Parsley in his book "The 2005 Silent No More" in a chapter titled "Islam: The Deception of Allah," warns there is a "war between Islam and Christian civilization."
He also calls Islam as an "anti-Christ religion", urging the US to launch a new crusade to eradicate Islam.

"The most damning lines in that article aren't in quotes. I wonder why?"

There's also a complete distortion between the headline, "his spiritual adviser" and the text of the article, "McCain called the evangelical minister a 'spiritual guide.'"

Garbage reporting.

The whole candidate responsible for their friend's beliefs is crap too. Like Geraldine Feraro getting Clinton bad press for her statements was in the paper this morning. Seems everyone is desperate for an issue.

"The most damning lines in that article aren't in quotes. I wonder why?"

There's also a complete distortion between the headline, "his spiritual adviser" and the text of the article, "McCain called the evangelical minister a 'spiritual guide.'"

Garbage reporting.

I am curious as to why you feel guide and adviser are so different as to make that an issue.

The whole candidate responsible for their friend's beliefs is crap too. Like Geraldine Feraro getting Clinton bad press for her statements was in the paper this morning. Seems everyone is desperate for an issue.

The issue is that she blasted Obama for his aid calling her a Monster, and said that Obama should have fired her. Then Feraro makes that comment which was even worse and she doesn't do the same.

Her hypocrisy is whats making headlines...

"I am curious as to why you feel guide and adviser are so different as to make that an issue."

Those aren't the words to focus on. I can call the Ayatollah a spiritual guide. That doesn't make the Ayatollah my spiritual advisor.

"I am curious as to why you feel guide and adviser are so different as to make that an issue."

Those aren't the words to focus on. I can call the Ayatollah a spiritual guide. That doesn't make the Ayatollah my spiritual advisor.

The wording is indeed a bit shady, however it is true that the man is a Spiritual guide, who is an adviser for John McCain. Even if the man was not religious, his views on Islam are dangerous enough to warrant a second look at McCain for having him on board.

Hmmm, so there is a powerful Christian leader who is mirroring what some Islamic leaders have stated; that the opposing religion is without merit and should be fought against and destroyed. Interesting.

Hmmmm, the majority of victims of terrorist violence the past twenty years (with the Red Brigade, Bader-Meinhof, Weathermen, etc being done) suffered at the hands of ISLAMIC fanatics, as compared to those killed by Christian fanatics.

Then again, I have not seen or heard anything about this Christian leaders ideas other than by those who spend their days dredging through every potential scrap of news they can find to sling poo at opposing candidates, 'cus they have so little to offer in favor of their own choices. Obviously, the call for a war against Islam is not getting much traction, if it is only getting posted about by those with nothing else of value in their lives but the internet and the battles they can wage there.

Hmmm, so there is a powerful Christian leader who is mirroring what some Islamic leaders have stated; that the opposing religion is without merit and should be fought against and destroyed. Interesting.

Hmmmm, the majority of victims of terrorist violence the past twenty years (with the Red Brigade, Bader-Meinhof, Weathermen, etc being done) suffered at the hands of ISLAMIC fanatics, as compared to those killed by Christian fanatics.

Then again, I have not seen or heard anything about this Christian leaders ideas other than by those who spend their days dredging through every potential scrap of news they can find to sling poo at opposing candidates, 'cus they have so little to offer in favor of their own choices. Obviously, the call for a war against Islam is not getting much traction, if it is only getting posted about by those with nothing else of value in their lives but the internet and the battles they can wage there.

Was this directed at me?

I find it scary that you not only accept the Christian leaders mirroring the opinions of "Fanatic" Muslims, but you use the fanatics and their actions as an excuse to not care that the possible next president of the United States of America will be getting advice from multiple people who will be whispering words of war into his ears... Some people never learn.

'Televangelist' should have been the first warning. I'm really hesitant to step into a Jedd-thread, but there is a fair warning that should go up in relation to the article, even if unrelated to McCain. Before we deviate too far however, remember that advisers and friends are the ones who help isolate our leaders from the population and influence their decisions, good or bad. Remember Cheney claiming he could keep secret the people he meets with?

Speaking only from personal experience, the general Christian population is very tolerant and open minded towards Islam - leastwise, the circles I run in. Maybe a better way to put it would be that most people are far too apathetic to wage a holy war. I've known several churches who offer classes on Islam, along with other world religions, in the interest of building tolerance. What should scare the living hell out of us all are these leaders of mega churches who use their influence politically - including telling congregations how to vote. When some clown pops up and starts out with how we need to eliminate Islam, we need to rise up as a mass and beat sense into their skull. Ignoring or dismissing their influence is a big mistake.

Was this directed at me?

I find it scary that you not only accept the Christian leaders mirroring the opinions of "Fanatic" Muslims, but you use the fanatics and their actions as an excuse to not care that the possible next president of the United States of America will be getting advice from multiple people who will be whispering words of war into his ears... Some people never learn.

I find it hilarious that you in your righteous indignation have determined that 1) I accepted the above and, 2) whether or not I care about from whom the next president gets advice. Nowhere in the text of my post is either of your claims made by me.

You are one warped little puppy, Jedd. But then, that is more and more obvious each time you post.

I find it hilarious that you in your righteous indignation have determined that 1) I accepted the above and, 2) whether or not I care about from whom the next president gets advice. Nowhere in the text of my post is either of your claims made by me.

You are one warped little puppy, Jedd. But then, that is more and more obvious each time you post.

Of course not, your clever little sarcastic remarks mean something else... right?

http://www.prospect.org/csnc/blogs/tapped_archive?month=03&year=2008&base_name=post_5085

So he's a good sight closer to Obama than this yahoo is to McCain yes I don't see you starting a thread on this Jedd.

Byl is right, you are quick to dribble your bs in when it's all about tearing on America but so slow when you are forced to see all of them are insane crooks. Politicians that is...

McCain isn't choosing these allies because he's close to them, he's choosing them because they are extremely influential megachurch preachers who can roll out the votes. Wright's actual influence in the world isn't that great, and is certainly nothing compared to Hagee and Parsley, Robertson and (posthumously) Falwell.

There are positive signs on the religion & politics front, however. A trio of fairly influential individuals have renounced (http://www.alternet.org/story/78818/) their ties to the Religious Right in favor of divesting conservative Christianity from active politicking. While they are influenced primarily by the Bible and by their experiences with Religious Right leadership in their decision making, their new perspective is very much in line with the Christian Founders, who considered politics too corrupting for religious forces to safely become involved with. It's a good article worth checking out.

http://www.prospect.org/csnc/blogs/tapped_archive?month=03&year=2008&base_name=post_5085

So he's a good sight closer to Obama than this yahoo is to McCain yes I don't see you starting a thread on this Jedd.

Byl is right, you are quick to dribble your bs in when it's all about tearing on America but so slow when you are forced to see all of them are insane crooks. Politicians that is...

Quite frankly I do not think it is a big deal.. I agree with some of the things the pastor says and Obama doesn't have to explain why he went to church.

Keep up the insults though Fandros, you win the internet.

Nice link, Thor.

I used to read Cal Thomas just to find reasons to despise him even more, so I am especially pleased to see he has taken a more clear view of the organization he was a front man for, for all those years. Organized religion has one goal if holding true to the religious doctrines, and that is to minister to those who wish to share in the same beliefs. Any activities involving politics, the aggressive conversion of others, suppressing or antagonizing other religions, gathering material goods in the name of the church, etc, is bullshit, and hypocritical.

To be honest I'm not terribly shocked you agree with that ignorant hate mongering fool of a clergyman spouted Jedd.

Falls right in line with you not being American for the most part and at the very least biggoted against America in general.

I am glad to see Obama doesn't agree with your bs, shows he has more class and can claim to harbor a modicrum of class. Unlike you he knows the words this fool spouted to be hateful and I applaud him rising above such fools as yourself.

The things this cretin is spouting is far far worse than anything Mccain's equiv said (tho I dislike those tirades as well)

To be honest I'm not terribly shocked you agree with that ignorant hate mongering fool of a clergyman spouted Jedd.

Falls right in line with you not being American for the most part and at the very least biggoted against America in general.

I am glad to see Obama doesn't agree with your bs, shows he has more class and can claim to harbor a modicrum of class. Unlike you he knows the words this fool spouted to be hateful and I applaud him rising above such fools as yourself.

The things this cretin is spouting is far far worse than anything Mccain's equiv said (tho I dislike those tirades as well)

Ignorance is believing that we have play no part in the reaction we have received. Everything that man said is either true or is based off of fact and twisted somewhat. The only issue I found with it is how he said it.

So the white man creating AIDS was based on what truth??

Maybe you missed that part, to me it was just core to the fool of a man he is.

So the white man creating AIDS was based on what truth??

Maybe you missed that part, to me it was just core to the fool of a man he is.

I did miss that part, and that sounds stupid... however why does that imply Obama believes the same?

It's as much implied as your original post on this thread Jedd.

You can't automatically ascribe every fool's opinion to a candidate when it suits you and ignore an equally powerful fool under one you happen to endorse.

Twas my only point...

It's as much implied as your original post on this thread Jedd.

You can't automatically ascribe every fool's opinion to a candidate when it suits you and ignore an equally powerful fool under one you happen to endorse.

Twas my only point...

The man who is a pastor at your church does not impact your decisions as president as much as the man who you have signed on as an adviser during your campaign and presidency. Maybe I am crazy though

Politicians try most to please those who will get them elected.

Apparently you haven't attended a church where the Pastor is a large part of your life.

Shows up at your house, calls you to take you to task on something they heard or calls you out during church for one reason or another. ;P

He's as apart of Obama's drive as the official one McCain has onboard.

Obama was wise enough to disavow himself of said fools opinion however and I tip my hat to him.

Ah and after a lil research it reveals the fiery chicago minister was holding the exact same position in Obama's camp that McCain's tool was holding.

He left it tonight after being disavowed by Obama...

Ah and after a lil research it reveals the fiery chicago minister was holding the exact same position in Obama's camp that McCain's tool was holding.

He left it tonight after being disavowed by Obama...

I concede that it is close to the same thing as McCain, and the only reason I do not concede that it is 100% equal is that this mans views are not explicitly calling for the death's of anyone.

Now this is pathetic...
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/offbeat/2008/03/17/moos.name.his.religion.cnn

The man who is a pastor at your church does not impact your decisions as president as much as the man who you have signed on as an adviser during your campaign and presidency. Maybe I am crazy though

come on dude, he was fired by the Obama campaign after the remarks. SO obviously he has equal stake in Obama, as this man did in MCCain.

Normally I admire your steadfastness, but this time you have truely, hipocritically slammed a topic. Which is unlike you and is frankly saddening.

come on dude, he was fired by the Obama campaign after the remarks. SO obviously he has equal stake in Obama, as this man did in MCCain.
I'm not sure what "equal stake" means, but consider likely outcomes if the respective candidates become President. What is more likely? That Obama sets about to "kill whitey" or some other manifestation of the caricature being drawn of Wright's theology? Or that McCain initiates further conflict in the Middle East, following both Hagee's theology and the bent of his foreign policy advisors? Or that McCain initiates the sort of extreme social conservative agenda favored by Hagee and Parsely?

I doubt Wright in his wildest dreams would ever see even a tiny portion of his social aspirations actualized by an Obama presidency. His main stake in all this is that a protege of his, an African-American, actually becomes President. While that no doubt means some prestige for him due to association, as a social rights activist of a sort, an Obama presidency would be a literal godsend to his cause.

In the case of Hagee and Parsely, however, close advisory positions allow the opportunity to continue current Bush programs and advance their agenda in full. McCain has shown himself willing to embrace one-time "agents of intolerance" and will need their support for both his hypothetical terms. This gives these advisors significant leverage. No doubt, they'll mention their disappointment in Bush and the Repub Congress' lack of advancement in the religious right agenda, and McCain seems eager to please.

So if the two sets of advisors do have "equal stake," it strikes me that they have stakes of very different natures, with very different results likely to obtain should their pick become President.