A worthy effort from Max Blumenthal, but doesn't the thesis hit up against Alex Cockburn's cheerleading for the pastor in the same pages of The Nation? Cockburn rhapsodized about how "progressive" and full of Christian charity this charlatan was a governor of a fully recognized state, smacking naysayers about this nonsensical man for their "anti-religious bigotry." Blumenthal could have rung up Cockburn for a quotable defense of his boy. I, on the other hand, remember a certain alleged "compassionate conservative" who also boasted of executing people, and that wasn't quite the truth, was it, Alex?

Martin White

Salem, NY

Huckainsanity strikes America...again.

I'm so tired of trying to enlighten the blind. These Christian extremists who've kidnapped the Republican Party are as dangerous as any "radical" Muslim. It's not that they're not smart or intellectual. In fact, that is part of the problem. Many are very smart, calculating and intellectual, it's just that they're nuts toooooo!

And for the Republican Party and supporting Huckanut. How can anyone belong to a party that attracts such racists and bigots as the John Birtch Society, the Klan, separatists, homophobics, anti-civil libertarians, anti-constitutionalists, anti-humanitarians and the like? If Democrats hated people like Republicans do just because they are different, I'd be out of that party in a heartbeat, but you guys always seem to find something worth holding on to, inspite of the track record.

Perhaps God really does have a sense of humor...

Lucem Ferre

Thorndale, PA

Max Blumenthal hits the proverbial nail on the head. Huckabee is the candidate the religious right would have preferred in GWB but did not get in 2000 and 2004.

How can someone lead and govern, when s/he has such strong beliefs that human history and its future are already predetermined? Do zealots want to accelerate this ultimate apocolyptic outcome? You bet. Reason: they have been marginalized here on earth and will reap their reward for allegiance in the afterlife, while those who were not will be damned for eternity.

Those who believe in these "end times" philosophies are allegiant to a God that is clearly not benevolent or all-loving. These people are dangerous, and if in positions of power or authority will usher in a theocratic era for the US. Look and listen. They preach division, retribution, revenge, morality enforced by law. Sounds very much like the Iran they are taunting today.

The survival of our nation depends on the outcome of the struggle not between freedom and tyranny but between secularism and religious fanaticism. Mark my words.

Rick Nantelle

Asheville, NC