Bravely referring to TLC as “The Learning Channel,” Stewart first commented on how boring the show actually is (“It just shows Muslims living their lives like the rest of us f—-ing idiots”). He then moved on to David Caton of the Florida Family Association’s argument that the show is actually dangerous because it doesn’t depict its stars as radical Muslim Jihadists. He also claimed that it goes against his group’s “belief structure.” Stewart was floored: “This show is harmful, education-wise, to your belief structure,” Stewart said in disbelief. “Is that not the purpose of education […] to replace your belief structure with facts?”
There are those who will argue until they’re blue in the face that this is a Christian nation, as if American democracy is the sole property and purview of Christianity. That this viewpoint completely discounts the reality that America was founded by pioneers fleeing religious oppression. Today, the descendants of those pioneers have no come full circle and are now willing to oppress those who happen not to be Christians. The reality that America is actually a secular nation with a Christian majority seems lost on these folks; indeed, they’re genuinely offended by anything that doesn’t slavishly follow their narrow ideology/theology.
Groups like the Floriduh Family Association, which by all indications is little more than a “faux outrage generation factory.” (I wish I could take credit for that wonderful turn of a phrase, but alas, I was beaten to the punch). It seems that FFA exists for the sole purpose of allowing ignorant, unthinking rageaholics a platform from which they can spew their bile to the four corners of the Earth. As near as I’ve been able to determine, there’s nothing even remotely positive about FFA. It’s primary and apparently only role is to whine about those who are insufficiently Conservative, narrow-minded, and Jesus-y.
To his credit, though, Caton has perfected the art of being a miserably ineffective advertisement for Christianity.
FFA could, if it so chose, present itself as a vehicle through which its members could live their beliefs. I would assume that, since they call themselves Christians, that these beliefs would include things like love, tolerance, charity, and compassion. Of course, I can often be as naive as the day is long; sadly, there’s nothing remotely loving, tolerant, charitable, or compassionate about FFA. Indeed, these good, God-fearing, patriotic “Christians” are worried about all those who aren’t living up to their narrow, hateful definition of “godly” behavior. They’re very, VERY good at attracting attention to themselves…sort of like the Westboro Baptist Church without the cheesy “God Hates….” signs.
FFA has clearly been busy making a name for themselves over the years. They may not be able to tell you what they’re for, but they can sure as Hell tell you what they’re against:
FFA’s latest magnum opus- opposition to All-American Muslim only demonstrates that, as Gandhi once said, some Christians are so unlike their Christ. Thankfully, these troglodytes are a pronounced minorities and most mainstream Christians (those who DON’T believe their religion is all about hatred and oppression) want nothing to do such lunacy. I mean, the folks at FFA are so busy hating homosexuals and Muslims that you’d have to wonder if they have any room or time left to love anything or anyone.
