that raising the question of Clinton's role in The Family is "guilt by association."  

But that would merely be a clever talking point aimed at deflecting a legitimate question of someone who wants to be president of the U.S.

The Family is a nefarious and certainly anti-democratic organization, as Sharlet demonstrated in his Harper's article a few years ago. If Clinton is significantly involved, that is troubling. If she is not, then let's hear it, clear the air, and move on.

Either way, let's be sure to direct some sunshine towards this secretive and influential group.

by Frederick Clarkson on Fri Mar 07, 2008 at 12:58:07 PM EST

is also just out.  i haven't read it yet, but heard him give a talk recently.  he looked at the use of overt religiosity in american politics starting in the 1930s.  interesting stuff.  press release here

by Laurel on Fri Mar 07, 2008 at 03:19:27 PM EST

And I'll second your endorsement of Sara Posner's meticulously researched and powerfully argued "God's Profits" and John Gorenfeld's fascinating and disturbing Bad Moon Rising. Not just blowing smoke, either -- got em both in the mail and they're great. Have read most of Sara's book and am  a couple chapters into John's. The T2A library is growing by the day, it seems. You could make a great syllabus with all the books by T2A contributors.

Meanwhile, to toot my own horn and hopefully sell some books, a few blurbs that've come in recently for THE FAMILY:

"Of all the important studies of the American right, The Family is undoubtedly the most eloquent. It is also quite possibly the most terrifying. This story of a secretive and unmerciful church of "key men" goes way beyond Jesus Christ, CEO--it's Jesus Christ, lobbyist; Jesus Christ, strikebreaker; and maybe even Jesus Christ, fuhrer."

--Thomas Frank, author of What's the Matter with Kansas?

"The Family offers the reader an astounding entrée to a fascinating Christian network unknown to most Americans. Jeff Sharlet has managed to peel back the curtain and reveal an elusive organization that wields an unsettling amount influence over our country's lawmakers as well as business and political leaders worldwide. The Family is a must-read for any American who wants to know who is actually pulling the strings at the highest levels of power."

--Heidi Ewing, co-director of Jesus Camp

"I was once an insider's insider within fundamentalism. Unequivocally: Sharlet knows what he's talking about. He writes: 'Our refusal to recognize the theocratic strand running throughout American history is as self-deceiving as fundamentalism's insistence that the United States was created a Christian nation.' Those who want to be un-deceived (and wildly entertained) must read this disturbing tour de force."

--Frank Schaeffer, author of Crazy For God: How I Grew Up As One Of The Elect, Helped Found The Religious Right, And Lived To Take All (Or Almost All) Of It Back
Author of THE FAMILY: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power (Harper, May 20)
by Jeff Sharlet on Fri Mar 07, 2008 at 05:47:35 PM EST