This post started with my reply to a friend's forwarding a link to an article on religion being used as a basis to "reform the state's regressive tax code".

Here's was my reply:

Robin hood gets a halo...

First off, why would anyone believe anything by someone who claims both of the following:

• "My concept of justice relates to the libertarian ideal: freeing all people under God to be all they can possibly be."
• The most important question on social issues that a Christian can ask is, 'What is best for the poor?' I'm satisfied that question is at the heart of God.

Be free, as long as we can tell you what is best for you?

Till recently, conservatives had one redeeming attribute: they claimed to be for fiscal responsibility and small government. Alas, now they've forgotten that aspect of conservatism. For example, here's a couple of blog entries to articles on Bush's decidely non-conservative fiscal policies:

• http://muness.blogspot.com/2003_11_01_muness_archive.html#106987034057172989
• http://muness.blogspot.com/2003_11_01_muness_archive.html#106882573522799370

:rant alert:
It's often claimed that a two party system furnishes a means to ensure restraint on government. Why does it seem to me that we're heading towards a system where one party is composed of religious bigots who wants to run our life on the one had, and a party which seeks to run our life because "they care" on the other?
:rant alert: