"For years I kept my opinions to myself. But now I must speak out."
Dear Friend,
When I anchored the evening news, I kept my opinions to myself. But
now, more than ever, I feel I must speak out.
That's because I am deeply disturbed by the dangerous and growing
influence of people like Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell on our
nation's political leaders.
Especially after Robertson and Falwell both shamefully blamed
America's courts and the highest levels of our government for the
horrific September 11 attacks on our nation. They said it happened
because we "insulted God." Falwell went on to blame feminists,
pro-choice Americans, and other groups he despises.
Like you, I understand that freedom of speech is a founding
principle of our nation, and I respect people with the courage to speak
their minds.
As a concerned person of faith, however, I have watched with
increasing alarm as the Christian Coalition and other Religious Right
groups manipulate religion to further their intolerant, political
agendas.
Over the years, Robertson and Falwell have gained considerable
influence on local school boards, in the administration, and in
Congress. They have shrewdly twisted the traditional healing role of
religion into an intolerant, political platform.
Using religion as a tool to push their personal political
beliefs-especially, in a time of national tragedy-not only insults
people of faith and good will, it also diminished the positive healing
role religion can and should play in public life.
This is why I am speaking out today, and why I urge you to speak
out, too.
It is time we challenge those who equate religious beliefs with
partisan politics, and if you agree, there is something you can do
about it today.
Join me as a proud member of The Interfaith Alliance today.
When you do, you'll join a diverse group of people of faith and
good will who promote tolerance, respect, and the inherent dignity of
all human beings.
The Interfaith Alliance is a non-partisan, grassroots organization
of people from more than 70 faith traditions. It's the only
organization working full time to challenge religious political
extremism, while promoting the healing role of faith in public life.
In short, The Interfaith Alliance offers a mainstream alternative
for people of faith and good will to stand in opposition to the
extremism of the Religious Right.
The Christian Coalition has more than two million members and a
growing coffer of funds, helping it influence elections and political
candidates.
In response, many members of Congress are forced to cave into its
demands. Even politicians-who privately dislike its tactics or are
uncomfortable with its political agenda-have been scared into
submission.
So, I ask you today to stand with The Interfaith Alliance to
challenge the intolerant influence of the Religious Right in civic
life.
I am proud to stand behind The Interfaith Alliance-a courageous
group of people of faith and good will-and I know you will be proud,
too.
Please join me in this critical effort with a special contribution
today.
Thank you,
Walter Cronkite
P.S. The Religious Right's influence over America's politicians has
gone too far. Please join me in offering a voice of tolerance,
civility and true compassion in the political process by supporting The
Interfaith Alliance's mission.
The Interfaith Alliance
1331 H Street, NW
11th floor
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 639-6370
Fax (202) 639-6375
www.interfaithalliance.org
