About the Author, Leah L. Burton
Founder and Principal of Rebel Island Ink since 2007. I began this effort solely to fight for freedom and purge America from the very real march of the theocrats. Rebel Island Ink represents thousands upon thousands of hours donated by dedicated volunteers who contribute their time, energy and personal experience to the demanding research and writing on the assigned topic -Christian Dominionism in American Politics.
Fourth generation, born in Ketchikan (aka “NoWhere,”) Alaska Territory, in 1957, daughter of an Alaska State Trooper father and a devout Christian (Dominionist) mother. Alaska, vast in land mass but very much a “small town” in its social relationships, allows one to meet and become involved in politics from the ground up, if desired. Due to my father’s involvements and associations, I met many of Alaska’s political “pioneers” before his retirement in 1993, capping his honored public service career to the people of Alaska by serving as Commissioner of Public Safety in the Executive Cabinets of Republican Governors Jay S. Hammond and Walter J. Hickel.
Further molding my expanding views, our family spent a “tour” overseas when my father took a position with the Agency for International Development in Vietnam for two years, placing our family in Taipei, Taiwan. Living overseas during that time, when the Vietnam War was coming to an end was life-changing. We are all challenged to accept how integral our relationships are with respect to the rest of the world and that our actions impact other countries, states and even neighboring counties, cities and towns. It is a natural inclination to think regionally – not globally. As a result of that overseas experience I developed a world view that lead to greater comprehension and understanding of how we all fit into a global reality, a view that stretched far beyond the boundaries of my remote Alaskan sense of ‘self’.
Over the years I have worked with my hands as a carpenter; benefited from the rewarding challenges of being a single mother and now Nana; studied Social Psychology at the University of Alaska; became a citizen activist and later a paid lobbyist on Social Justice issues in Alaska spanning two decades; worked within the system as a government employee determining eligibility of clients seeking social services; invited and joined organizations, and served on boards whose goals were a bi-partisan effort to secure America’s status as a pluralistic society.
I learned at an early age that respect is earned and goes where it is due, regardless of a persons position or status. It is not an entitlement, it must be earned. In later years while working at the State Capitol, for example, I totally valued the opinions of the clerks at the customer counter just as importantly as those of the Governor’s office – and all others in between.
In 2009, I had the unique opportunity to stand up and speak out by coming forward and testifying against then Governor Sarah Palin’s nomination of Dominionist and Alaska State Defense Force militia member Wayne Anthony Ross for the position as State Attorney General – successfully contributing significantly to his defeat.
Beyond my work involving Rebel Island Ink, I currently serve on the Board of Directors of the four time Nobel Peace Prize nominated non-profit, the Military Religious Freedom Foundation – alongside its Founder and President, Mikey Weinstein and former U.S. Ambassador Joseph Wilson IV. At MRFF our focus is to eradicate Christian Dominionism in the U.S. armed forces. MRFF currently represents, pro bono, nearly 30,000 clients, 96% of whom are Protestants seeking relief from the aggressive and oppressive extreme proselytizing in the military.
I am also privileged to work with the California Council of Churches by invitation as a Consultant on the dangers of Dominionist extremism and how it is a threat to mainstream Christianity and our democratic republic. CCC represents the interests of over 1.6 million mainstream Christian members in California, spanning 51 denominations. We collaborate on providing information to mainstream Christian groups, organizations and congregations about Dominionism and the importance of maintaining separation of church and state.
Political Christians have infested politics in America in every camp, but none more completely than the ever-increasingly conservative Republican Party. This goal to achieve dominion is precisely why they are called Christian Dominionists and there is no denying that religion is insinuating itself into the political landscape in America with the dangerous goal of attaining theocracy.
I am also a frequent guest speaker and radio guest on the topic of Dominionism in American politics which is finally realizing increasing awareness at a time when American politics is getting deeper and deeper into religious territory. If it wasn’t obvious in the past, the months of 2012 GOP primary battle should leave no doubt in anyone’s mind about the influence it is wielding – and this is just a precursor to 2016.
We no longer enjoy simple non-sectarian partisan politics. Democrats vs. Republicans - has become – Freedom vs. Theocracy.
You may email Leah at: leah@godsownparty.com
Hey, I like that “Another blogger against theocracy” pic on your margins! I so want one for my blog! Where can I find it…or can I swipe your pic and use it?
Thanks, Lucky
Were you ever successful copying the bloggers against theocracy image? Please let me know if you were not.
Whoops, not sure I did this right.
I really like that “another blogger against theocracy” pic on your margins! I so want one for my blog!
Where can I get one like it…or can I swipe yours and use it?
Thanks, Lucky
Recent books in this area that I have enjoyed are "The End of Faith" by Sam Harris and Susan Jacoby's "The Age of Unreason" and "Freethinkers."
Another good book is "Divine Destruction: Wise Use, Dominion Theology, and the Making of American Environmental Policy" by Stephenie Hendricks, Melville House Publishing, 2005 ISBN 0-9766583-4-8 (http://www.mhpbooks.com)
You realize, of course that the Arabic translation of God's Own Party is…Hiz'b Allah(Hezbollah) heh, heh
Really…?
… not infidel… but imbecile… whatever…
…get a grip… upon your own anatomy…
Leah, you will be a great asset to MRFF. Your response to an email that Mikey received drew me to your blog. Whatever your educational background is it seems to have prepared you well and I want to hear your opinion regarding the difference between 'separation of church and state', freedom OF religion, and freedom FROM religion. Thanks for your time.
I apologize for taking so long to respond….it has been chaos here but I absolutely want to address your question. I need to make that a blog post…but in the meantime my email is leah@godsownparty.com….please make contact with me there.
Thanks Leah for your comments on Alan Handleman today. You bring a lot of insight and intelligence to the table. I was the last caller on the same show and have a Master's from a Lutheran Seminary. Sarah's rant is typical of an uninformed fundamentalist. She brings this theology of wrath to politics and lately to the Tea Party. Funny, she never talked about the Tea Party until she was invited. She is a woman desperate for attention and sadly she gets it. Worse, she gives Christianity a bad name. Worse, she doesn't know the difference.
I am so glad to hear from you! Please contact me….leah@godsownparty.com I look forward to speaking with you more…I was very excited to hear you call in, and was hoping you would make contact.
Warmest regards,
Leah
just got a call from allan handelman to see if you are available today. he is on the road, i dont have your contact number. if you get this message before 330p, please call if you are available between 4 and 7 today.
pd
I am always happy to be on Allan's show…looking forward to it.
"Daughter of an Alaska State Trooper" huh? When you are Allen Handelmann's show, he makes it sound like you come from a prominent Alaskan family. Quite the contrary. Your daddy was a glorified traffic cop. HAHAHAHAHA
This is one of those times when I am reminded of the negative side of the internet and the way nameless, faceless nothings can hide in cyberspace and make comments such as this without any consequences. I've know Leah's father since I was a little kid, and I can tell you two things, he's a good man who contributed greatly to the State of Alaska, and "screw you" would have never said such a thing to his face. Now I hope whatever it is enjoys it's pathetic little existence skulking around in the shadows.
Whatever negative energy propels these bilious ones, for them I have just one sentence:
Suit yourselves, but understand that Ignorance is Not Bliss!
No ignorance is truly NOT bliss…people just soothe themselves with that thought and then one day reality shatters everything.
And that "glorified traffic cop" spent every working day of his career putting himself in harm's way to keep scum like you safe.
That's a pretty good operational definition of "glory" — so, despite your obvious 2-digit IQ, vile "value" system, and puerile sarcasm, you actually told the truth there.
I imagine the sensation was quite novel — and I don't think you can expect too many repeats of it, if this represents your "thinking" (term obviously used very loosely) process in general.
You have stated this as well as I could expect. The vitriol that has become synonymous with this "New Conservative" knows no boundaries. It would be easier for them to articulate what they are FOR than what they are against…
smartalek is not as smart as it thinks, is it? It needs to have its gallbladder checked, there is too much bile flowing into its brain, rotting reasoning facilities.
I apologize for my unusual snark, but sometimes the vile bile is just too much to ignore.
Leah, as always, I wish you Strength!
Leah likes to call herself an independant, but looking at these articles it appears she has alligned herself with the Far Left.
Leah is still an independent…which allows me the option to vote for any Party. It is not so much the "far left" as it is aptly put by Bill Maher, "At some point in this country the left moved to the center and the right moved into a mental institution."
Frankly, I am no fan of either Party. What I believe in is anti-extremism and separation of church & state – and that leaves me with no choice but to vote 'D'. It was not my efforts that turned the Grand Ol' Party into a theocratic 'God's Own Party'. Nonetheless, Nice to hear from you! Great to have responses generated from the radio Shows that I appear on. Have a very Merry Christmas
Just because she is exposing the workings of the Far Right and their attempt to turn our country into a plutocratic theocracy, Leah is aligned with the Far Left—how sad for you and your lack of concern for her efforts to get back to separation of church and state.
Hi Leah,
Thanks for your blog! I really enjoy it, albeit it's depressing on account of the sad state of affairs the nation is in. I think the only way we will have a true separation of church and state, is if churches and those who work for them start paying taxes like everyone else. How come this hasn't been proposed as a budget-fixing solution? Glad to know that there is such an adamant voice for reason and common-sense as yours in America today. Keep up the good work, and please ignore all these internet trolls that like to haunt your blog, they are pathetic.
Cheers,
Marcos
Greetings, Marcos and thank you for the supportive and uplifting message! What a pleasure to hear your thoughts. I agree, we must revisit the IRS laws that allow the offending churches to essentially launder volumes of money and funnel it all to oppressive proselytizing activities here and abroad without paying a cent in taxes. We can thank some very nasty rule-breaking scientologists for strong-arming the IRS some years ago in their effort to remain a tax-free "church". There has been much written about that and we do need to see legislation proposed to fix it.
Aaaahhh…but here's the problem. Many of our "smaller government" repubs and blue dog dems enjoy the huge financial support that they receive from these "individuals" and to change the law would shrivel up that money stream. It is why we don't stand a snowballs chance in hell of getting them to pass campaign finance reform unless WE make it an enormous issue.
When the idiots are running the asylum – we can't expect them to set standards to self-police. These are yet more reason to encourage everyone to vote and turn this collection of entrenched politicians around. On BOTH sides. Thank you, Marcos!
Good Morning, Leah and Marcos: Happy to see both your comments. There are so many thoughts flying around in my brain, I am having a hard time organizing them. Here is one:
I absolutely agree that all organized religions, sects, cults, whatever should not be allowed tax exemptions except for the piece of property upon which they worship. No exceptions. That would go a very long way to curbing excesses of amassed wealth, and which would also follow the dictum of "Separation of Church and State".
A major change in the tax code to level the playing field between the "worker bees" and the power of the wealthy aided by Worldwide Stock Markets and International Corporations (which includes religious organizations) would almost instantly curb the craziness of social upheaval brought on by the various theocratic, authoritarian, corporatist factions who instill fear and loathing in those of lesser means and education.
Depressingly, this is a long way from happening, but I have to keep that small fire of optimism going.:
There will be a Spring after a long Winter.
So good to hear from you! And to hear that you are still fueling even that small fire of optimism. Don't let it go out…we need you. I do believe that it is possible to achieve separation of church & state. They have been so successful at chipping away at that wall that it will take persistence on our part to build it back up again – but I do believe.
BTW Leah, I do follow God Discussion. There is just something about the way to sign in that I cannot figure out, thus no comments, but avid interest nevertheless.
I will share your difficulties with Deborah. I have had the same problem in the past and I cannot remember the fix.
Thank you, Leah,.I enjoy our conversations whenever they happen and would like to continue along the path of tolerance and understandings… Love and Peace… Ing
Leah,
It's a pleasure to find your site. I attempted to resist the a statewide homeschooling association in Florida in 2008 that quietly added "in accordance with Judeo-Christian principles" to the bylaws of a group that was supposed to to represent ALL home schoolers. The right wing Christian Board of the Florida Parent Educators Association (www.FPEA.com) hijacked the group. There's more to the story if you are interested, but perhpas most telling is a current website quote from the now-current Chairman: "It is an honor to be the current District 10 Director. I pray that your homeschool experience be filled with rich, lasting memories as your children grow into the leaders of tomorrow for our families, communities, state and nation.. "
The Dominionists are out there, and they are continuing to creep their way into every committe, board and Council they can find.
Tom in Florida
For the life of my I can't understand why Allan Handelman had you on his program today to discuss the Obama Administration's decision not to release the Bin Laden corpse photos. I must be unaware of your foreign policy credentials.
Because the topic seemed to have escaped you, it was not about Foreign credentials…my focus was on domestic politics and behavior about an American triumph conceived and accomplished under a very composed, mature and brilliant President who took tremendous risk in ordering this mission as the Commander-in-Chief – and his follow-up decision to NOT display a gruesome photo as a trophy. Sorry you missed it!
I love your work here, Leah.
Keep'em on their toes!!
Thank you, Mark! It is a full time job, that is for sure. Your support is very much appreciated.
I know how much work there is entailed in running a blog. I used to run Proud Atheists, but between work, the blog and other commitments it became tiresome. I had to take a break from blogging, but I plan to return! You can bet your ass!!
I certainly DO understand the fatigue, Mark. I am so glad to hear that you will be back after a break…we need you. It will take ALL of us to stop this madness. Thank you for all that you do.
Courage and Strength to you both, whether you find it in written word or in the order of the universe.
Well…I started a new blog today. It's quite empty and rough, but it's called, No Godz
Checked out your new blog Mark looks good. Cant wait to read more .
1. The pt 1 wilkerson page video links are broken
2. this text color is waaaaaaay too light
Just read "In Garden of Beasts" and I see some similarities between 1930's Germany and US now. Am I overly alarmed? Does anybody else see same similarities?
This blog is very good. Dominionism is scary, you know, like crazy people roaming around among your children and friends. The more people understand, the better. Thank you, Mike
Leah:
I just listened to the vidio of Frank Schefffer, wow!! why don’t we hear more of him?
It is one of the most challenging frustrations in getting this message out, that so much information is already out there for all to read, listen to and view…but getting major media to pick up on it is like pushing a boulder up a hill. I will pass your comment on to Frank.
I post variations of this message in different news blogs – usually under the name of
Cooper – If This Goes On. If any of you have ever read Robert A. Heinlein’s story “If This Goes On” you will understand my interest in this topic. I have only recently become aware of the “problem” of Christian Nationalism and/or Dominionism. My wake-up call was a sermon by Charles Stanley where he stated that America was a Christian Nation. In support of his claim he gave several partially true quotes. “Partially true” has no place in the Christian faith – it equals deception – deception is not a characteristic of Christ. I eventually discovered the source of his half-trues – David Barton his so called historian. This lead to Christian Nationalism – Dominionism – neo-conservative Catholicism etc. – and so to the movement broadly classified as the Theocratic Right – the First Amendment – and the decentralization of American government.
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As I mentioned, the Theocratic Right is composed of Christian Nationalist, Christian Dominionists, neo-conservative Catholics and Glenn Beck-ien Mormons. The Theocratic Right has been working for a generation to weaken the Federal Government to the point where virtually all governmental functions are under the control of the individual state constitutions – thus returning government to something approaching the Articles of Confederation.
Their first step has been to undermine the First Amendment. Their tactics include state bills on personhood, Arizona’s proposed bill on swearing, Virginia’s attempt at censoring e-mails, legislation that allows religious and political tests for adoption, and legislation that supports church schools and home schooling – where the content taught students can be carefully controlled. If they can get a favorable ruling from the Supreme Court on any of these areas, the First Amendment Rights will be under the control of the individual states – not the Federal Government. Technically, it says “Congress shall pass no laws…” it does not prohibit the states from passing them.
States would be free to once again pass or enforce existing religious test for holding political office, free to collect church tithes, free to distribute those tithes to approved churches, free to give churches the right to administer and enforce their own church law over civil law – all things that were done in this country prior to the Constitution.
The Theocratic Right believes that a Theocracy already exists.
There is no separation of Church and State.
The Bible is the common standard of law for both church and state.
The church should hold court and be a real government.
Democracy is to be rejected as the “tyranny of the fifty one percent”
The Bible does not guarantee human rights – except the right to death.
A mutual cooperation should exist between big business, the church, and government. As such they oppose environmental regulations, work safety regulations and unions and support the privatization of Social Security.
All federal “welfare” programs should be shifted to church controlled charities.
Those of approved Christian faiths have “rights” – non-Christian faiths have “privileges” .
The Theocratic Right also opposes public schools and colleges with their lack of religious instruction and prefer charter schools (most have religious links) and home schooling where content can be controlled.
They encourage the creation of religiously conservative law schools to counter the ACLU and provide future judges and politicians with a Biblical view to law and government.
Contraception is discouraged – obviously all abortion should be illegal – mothers are discouraged from working outside of the home.
No-fault divorce should not be allowed – adultery and other forms of fortification should be punished.
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There is much more – I suggest the search for the following topics and people:
David Barton (pseudo-historian sourced by many of the Theocratic Right) , Christian Nationalism, Theocratic Right, Christian Theocracy, Christian Reconstructionism, or Christian Dominionism.
You might also look up The Republican Party’s Vision For The Family: The Compelling Issue Of The Decade by Ronald F. McDonnell, and From The Changing of the Guard: Biblical Principles for Political Action by George Grant, published in 1987 by Dominion Press.
On a more positive note – consider reading
Alexis de Tocqueville’s – Democracy in America in the1830′s -Vol 1 Chp 17 – read it all – not just the out of context quotes made by David Barton.
All evangelical Christians do not belong to The Theocratic Right – many Baptists still remember the history of religious persecution in the Colonies and remember that it was Roger Williams (1630′s) who voiced the need of a “wall of separation between the garden of the church and the wilderness of the world” to protect minority religions from majority religions who used the power of the state to enforce majority church law.
The Theocratic Right is quite serious, has a strategic – long range – plan and poses a credible threat to both real democracy in this country and to real Christianity.
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As a Christian – I can think of nothing more destructive for Christianity in this country than having Christians “in control”. If we are in control – Christ is not. Note how the underground Church is growing in China under persecution. Dig out your copy of The Robe by Lloyd D. Douglas and check out page 379. The Emperor Tiberius comments on the beginnings of Christianity in Rome: “It will collapse — after awhile. Soon as it gets into a strong position. Soon as it gets strong enough to dictate terms. Then it will squabble over its offices and spoils — and grow heady with power and territory.”
Truly I say to you – If This Goes On – consider a future as a missionary in China.
Charles, I tried to respond to your email but it was returned. You make very valid points in your comment and I would like to discuss this further if you would contact me at leah@godsownparty.com.
I am compelled to commend you on your thorough role as ambassadors of Lucifer himself.
If I could only persuade you to read Isaiah Chapter 5, verses 20 & 21 then you see what a thorogh job you are doing in ALL your work to make evil sound good and good to sound evil. If you will read those two verses you will also see the reward that is waiting for deceivers work like yours. You are no more Christian in your conduct than our dog. All your work seems dedicated to obliterate the Gospel of Jesus Christ from the public domain. Remember, He said His words and good news will never be obliterated, so why expaned your futile effort. If ever there was an eveil, traitorious organization, loaded with deception and wickedness,, yours is it.
DO NOT PUT ME ON YOUR LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.
Welcome, Leonard! Your input is valued.