Ask Auntie Pinko
May 16, 2002

Hey Auntie,

Am I being paranoid or is the reason behind the Bush administration's almost criminal neglect of the peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine (such as it is) due to the religious right's fervent belief that a protracted war in this area will bring about the second coming of Jesus? How much influence does this group have over Bush?

Mike,
Thousand Oaks, CA

Dear Mike,

Believe it or not, for most of a (relatively) long life as a professed Christian, Auntie Pinko has been completely unaware of the bizarre conviction on the part of some deranged zealots that it is necessary to literally enact the events of the Book of Revelations in order to complete a Divine plan for human salvation. And enact them according to a specific interpretation of that highly mystical, elliptical, allusive Book at that.

In the parlance of an earlier era;

Weird, man.

Now, as to how far this particular form of religious mania is influencing American policy in the Middle East, Auntie Pinko is skeptical. It's a delicious exercise in speculation and a great target for cheap shots, but as a practical factor in decision-making, I don't think it rates much serious consideration.

Understand, I'm not denying the presence in the current Administration of some individuals with definitely intense and, ah - unusual - religious beliefs. Nor am I unaware of the influence of money controlled by people who may, indeed, embrace this particular interpretation of how a deeply loving, merciful, compassionate and forgiving Deity plans to fulfill the destiny of human creation.

But I don't think it could be interpreted as a criticism or belittling of Mr. Bush's convictions as a Christian to say that when it comes to making policy in the Middle East, the future Apocalypse is probably far less influential than the current oil supply.

But thank you for asking Auntie Pinko!