Arnold's RNC "sexual identity panic speech"

[enough]

From Sidney Blumenthal in Salon
http://www.salon.com/opinion/blumenthal/2004/09/01/arno...

and here's a no-registration link to the same article
http://www.maxlogan.com/blumenthal.0902.htm

snip>

Schwarzenegger offered the Republican Convention totemic worship of virility borne out of fear of its fading. It was an act he has been perfecting for decades. In its essence, he offered a sexual identity panic speech.

snip>

Having established his citizenship, Schwarzenegger felt entitled to articulate the Republican credo -- of power over weakness. "If you believe this country, not the United Nations, is the best hope for democracy, then you are a Republican." Thus the immigrant blasted internationalism. "If you believe that we must be fierce and relentless and terminate terrorism, then you are a Republican." Thus he declared the Democrats soft. "And to those critics who are so pessimistic about our economy, I say: Don't be economic girlie men."

So beyond unilateralism, jingoism and social Darwinism lies sexual apprehension. Those who aren't with the program are queer. But the anxiety is even deeper than that of homosexuality. "Girlie man" is a peculiar accusation for being effeminate. It reveals fear of women and their complex values. The name-calling is a frantic effort to suppress nuance, which the action hero fears he may harbor within.
   
end of article>     

They do seem to be trying to play to some basic angry homophobia. The Zell Miller rant about Kerry's spandex is on the same wavelength. Panic is certainly the right word.

[jean]

1. name calling - my moderate Christian parents NEVER tolerated even mild

name calling in our house.

I've read that many conservative Christians take offense at even one use of a swear word or commandment breakage by a politician.

How is all this toxic name calling coming across to non-extremist, devout Christian voters?