Wednesday, December 07, 2005

THE PHARISEES

Radio hosts are referring to the conflict between Ann Coulter and myself as a CAT-FIGHT. I am trying to turn the other cheek and let Coulter hit that one, but in case you are wondering, MSNBC's Keith Olberman just labeled Coulter as "the worst person in the world" for posting my family's private home number on her website (and refusing to take it down after repeated requests). Apparently she did this in retaliation for an article I wrote.Click here to read my original Ann Coulter article at BRAD BLOG
Now in my view, Olberman's words a little extreme, even for satire. But Coulter also posted my personal e-mail address on her site. I have been getting hate-mail and death threats from Coulter fans -- and a strange man even came to my front door. My children almost opened the door, but I caught them in time. (More details in the "Death Threats blog below.) I have written politely asking her to take my personal info off her site, but she has ignored me. Most of the mail I get is amazingly supportive though. It makes me even more convinced that I'm on the right path -- because good people would not retaliate with such ugly venom. But I will not live in a spirit of fear. Honestly, the way to talk to Coulter, O'Reilly... is to bless them and pray for them. Prayer has amazing power, if only we'd really have faith in it. All our doubts arrest God's work through us.

On Thursday night I did Doug Basham's progressive talk radio show in Vegas and we had the BEST time! He is one of the most passionate, thoughtful hosts! And he writes brilliant essays, psychoanalyzing the wing-nuts. Another of the best radio hosts I've ever talked to is Steve Kelly on KPSI NewsTalk 920 (an ABC affiliate in Palm Springs KPSI News Talk 920 He is able to really dig deep and get people to open up. Kelly really does his research and is so insightful and progressive -- you should really tune in and listen to him. Our interview aired Monday, December 5. Also did the David Allen show TheDavidAllenShow.com which was delightfully non-combative. But I guess it's not very sexy to have a show without some vicious callers and some combat. I apologize for that, but my mission is to be a peace-maker and bridge the divide between Republicans and Democrats. We have all become so militant toward each other, and I know why Coulter is such a shock-jock -- it's "political porn"; she gets a lot of attention for "calling for the killing of liberals". But she shouldn't go around calling herself a "public intellectual"; she is actually a performance artist. I just wish she didn't have the power to sway public opinion.

The main thing that Jesus severely warned against over and over -- the thing that annoyed him the most, were the religious leaders - the Pharisees. I just spent a week reading all four Gospels to my children. Above all else, we are supposed to love each other, love our enemies and those "sinners" who seem so vile to many church-goers today. I had a letter from someone who said, "You probably would pray for prisoners!" As if that's not Christian? What on earth do you think Christ came here to teach us? That everyone is worthy of redemption -- in fact, he hung around with the sinners & prostitutes -- they were the ones who most needed help and forgiveness. Christ taught mainly that we are to love one another. And we are supposed to leave judgment and vengeance to God. We are to return love for hate and bless those who persecute us (and those who are unlovable, those who offend us). Why do fanatics obsess about abortion and homosexuality, but never mention divorce - the one thing Christ himself actually mentioned as being wrong? Why don't they try to abolish divorce? By the way, no Democrat or sane person is pro-abortion or likes abortion. It's wrong of Coulter to call Democrats "the abortion party." This is horrible that she does this. We just don't believe that the government has a right to become like the fascists and control a person's own private body and their intimate relationship with God. There's a reason the womb is encased in the separate private body of an individual woman: it is between her and God, and her soul suffers the decision, as we are really spiritual beings, all connected to each other, all children of a loving God -- and all the wars are within ourselves. This is probably too metaphysical to understand but the key is inside us. Go rent WHAT THE BLEEP DO WE KNOW? The miracle in the water... The point is, we - a nation born of dissenting opinions - shouldn't be coming to blows over religion. And no government should impose their concept of God on others.

If you could step into our shoes for a moment, you might see it from our point of view. And when I say that line (the comedy line in the article "I never mix religion with politics, but .... don't they know that Jesus was a Democrat? ...) " it's a play on words, I am making fun of myself for combining religion with politics, which earlier I say I never do -- so please try to get the frustration in my voice. Here is what I mean: Jesus spent most of his time caring for the poor and the sick and the sinners, the ones many Pharisees think are too immoral or dirty to touch. He sat on the ground and washed the feet and the sores of the lepers. He told us to leave judgment and vengeance to God. And I admit I am being judgmental when I judge our president for lying to rush us to war. Did he lie? Well, I guess we have to let the courts decide. But when I looked into his eyes during the election, I did not see a man of God, a Christ-like man, had done everything he could to prevent our precious young soldiers from heading off to a tribal hell-hole. Love casts out fear, but I saw Bush operating from fear and retaliation, not Christ-like principles. It's one thing to declare war, but to use God and Christianity as your justification, is abominable. Every cell in my body knew this was wrong. I admit I am stubborn, judgmental and sometimes obnoxiously righteous and I hate that about myself. If I've offended anyone here, I am sorry. I hope you'll forgive me so we can move past this primitive level to the spirit of what I am saying.

Normally a person like Coulter wouldn't bother me so much, it's like watching South Park - but she has actual power to sway elections, or at least she did in the last two. This means she had friends in high places of inflluence, and this scares me that we have now inflamed the world against us for some evangelical mission that was never Christ's intention. Creating violence to bring on Armageddon faster? Are we living in the Dark Ages?

"How has my life been made more loving by my faith?" If it isn't making me a lighter, better, happier more generous person, then maybe I should try to see where I am clinging to the text in the wrong way. The key is hidden in plain sight. A great start is Emmet Fox "The Sermon on the Mount." It liberated me! "Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly!"

I did 8 radio shows across America last week. Aside from KPSI, David Allen Show, Radio America's Battle Line with Alan Nathan, an early morning Florida show all over the east coast, plus the other night in Tennessee with Harrell Carter. I will be on Doug Basham in Vegas tonight at 11 p.m. and with the Young Republicans of Georgetown University this Friday, rush hour drive time from 3-4 p.m. Yesterday, Tuesday, December 6, I did 3 different radio shows -- including KPQ AM with Ken Johanssen in Washington State and Leo Nadequ in Connecticuit. He doesn't like the Democrats or the Republicans. We had a great time talking about peace.

Here is a letter that really encouraged me:

Hi- I called you earlier today and left a voice mail message (Well, I tried, but I think my message got lost- I got static and a few beeps on my end). I kind of felt afterward like I had violated your privacy in calling, even with a supportive message, so if I did, I'm so sorry.

I just wanted to say that I read your posts and I think they're great. I SO agree with you and it's high time that the "Christian left's" existence be known. I, like many others, am a liberal BECAUSE I'm a Christian.

I feel badly for you that Ann Coulter did what she did- I Wish she would wake up and realize that the way she behaves is totally lacking in class, morality, or any hint of Christianity. I just don't understand how she became so full of hate. But, instead of hating her, while I already know that she wants me and some of the people I love to meet a brutal death, I will pray for her, as I know that you are.

I admire your class and thank you for speaking up. I grew up watching "Too Close for Comfort" and it's so nice to see an actress I liked as a young girl become a woman that I admire for her convictions. (I'm not too much younger than you, though- I'm 33)

Please keep writing- You have a gift for getting your point across and showing what REAL Christian values are.

Love you all and God Bless you Ann Coulter!! Lydia

23 comments:

  1. Anonymous12:24 PM

    The reason they never bitch about divorce or preach against it is that it brings too much money into the system. The republicans love that all mighty dollar more than the actual All Mighty.

    Ann Coulter is a opportunistic evil person. I hope you sue her over your right to privacy.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lydia...the calmness with which you express yourself, in spite of what Ann Coulter did, is so refreshing. If the shoe had been on the other foot, just imagine the vile response she would have provided.

    The sad thing is that people who agree with her actually respond to the hatred and meanness that she exudes. They get on her bandwagon with their virtual torches and pitchforks in order to re-spew her hate-speak. And they seem to get a sick sort of satisfaction out of it, too.

    I'm not a religious person, but it's obvious that your spirituality governs your viewpoint in a very positive fashion, which is the way it should be. When others wrap themselves in the Bible (or the flag, for that matter) in order to rationalize their hateful views toward others, it cheapens and degrades what that book actually is telling its followers.

    I applaud you for being part of the positive, "the glass is half full" part of the equation. It can be so much harder to take that approach, but so much more rewarding in the end. Maybe one day the others will see it your way. We all can hope that they will.

    ReplyDelete
  3. You rule! And despite Ann's ridiculous comment, you are SO much sexier than death...and her, of course. (I think she's a bit defensive.)

    Rock on...

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous3:55 PM

    Oh Jesus....here we go again!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous5:41 PM

    If you stop fighting the wingnuts and they become reasonable -- then what? You're right, they're OBSESSED with fetuses and homosexuality -- but never stop to look at their own divorce rate or judgement or pride. It's unbelievable! I can't find one reference to gays or abortion in anything Jesus says. Paul talks about it though. But why didn't Jesus mention it?

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous7:33 AM

    Hi everyone:

    Lydia....hang in there and stay strong.....THe best way to deal with AC is to be funny which it seems you have a great talent for. I also would have called you and left a nice message on your answering machine as well but didn't want to invade your privacy....although I must admit is is cool to have a Hollywood actress' # on my cell phone.....I just show it to my wife whenever we argue now!!!!!!!

    Worfeus..hang in there bro(sis?). I consider myself a Christian in exile, if you will. You might look into some eastern stuff if you haven't already....Jesus was very Zen (as well as very Democrat!!!). THich Nhat Han wrote a great book called Living Buddha Living Christ which helped me alot.

    Shalom
    KAN12

    ReplyDelete
  7. More trouble involving Ann Coulter, as reported on CNN.com:

    http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/12/08/coulter.row.ap/index.html

    She really knows how to work a crowd, eh? Why do people pay her to speak and take the time to listen to her drivel? Bizarre!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Anonymous11:12 AM

    Your sister Katherine told me about your blog and it's wonderful! We are SO on the same page. I doubt you have any time, but just in case, I'd love for you to check out my blog. I started it in prison last year (my sister typed up the entries) and continued it when I got out and got sober. www.marcolmsted.com/blog
    Thanks for fighting the good fight while keeping it spiritually enlightened.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Anonymous11:14 AM

    One more thing: I highly recommend Bishop John Shelby Spongs books: "Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalists" and the current "The Sins of the Scripture" for anyone on the Christian Left. The man's a prophet, really.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anonymous12:10 PM

    And that would be Katherine Cornell?

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anonymous1:03 PM

    Marc is right on about Bishop Spong. Anyone in the center or on the "left" might find some helpful words in Spong's numerous writings.

    Happy Festivus
    KAN12

    ReplyDelete
  12. Anonymous8:06 PM

    I discovered this blog in a roundabout way through your guest post on Brad's Blog. It's reprehensible what Ann Coulter is doing to you and your family, but I've come to expect such horrible actions from her.

    What's unexpected is the grace and dignity with which you have handled the situation. In the face of all the vitriol and threats, you have maintained your sense of humor, your optimism, and above all, your faith. As someone who has grown discouraged by the state of modern political discourse, and even more discouraged by the state of modern religion, I found something to hope for in your posts.

    So, thank you for sharing your faith with someone who needs it right now. I hope you'll continue to do so.

    God bless...

    ReplyDelete
  13. Anonymous9:04 PM

    I'm amazed these "Christians" who are on here saying "God Bless" and wanting to give peace a chance are congregating in the bradblog.

    One post is all it takes in favor of a republican or conservative to spark a beray of profanity!

    Whatever happened to tent revivals?

    ReplyDelete
  14. Anonymous8:19 PM

    "christian conservatives"

    see...LIBERALS are the ones who are negatively using the term "christian" and attaching it to "conservative".

    They've been doing this for years in terms of promoting prostitution and abortion - but now liberals are trying to attach "going to war in iraq" to "christian conservatives".

    You pinheads....we aren't there because of Christianity! Who's debate is this?

    Arguing points that haven't even been brought up by Conservatives in the first place? How much lower can...wait...don't answer that! LMAO.

    Okay, give us one quote where Bush or Ann Coulter said "we are in Iraq because God and Christianity told us to go there".

    ReplyDelete
  15. RE: Anonymous' comment: "Okay, give us one quote where Bush or Ann Coulter said 'we are in Iraq because God and Christianity told us to go there'."

    Surely, you jest! That's like taking candy from a baby. A brief - very brief - Google search brings a plethora of references to Bush's belief that God sent him to go to war in Iraq. Here's a smattering of articles:

    http://tinyurl.com/bkwsj

    http://tinyurl.com/8nbk

    http://tinyurl.com/a8w5n

    http://tinyurl.com/7rfe6

    http://tinyurl.com/dt63q

    The list could go on and on. The fact is that Bush believes this nonsense.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Anonymous6:39 AM

    Nabil Shaath? The Democrat's next vice-presidential candidate?

    On the basis of what you have shown, at best, what it proves is what you have said...that bush "believes" this stuff.

    On a personal note, it does not matter.

    Aside from the fact that this is technical hearsay, the President has never made these statements in his speeches to the United States.

    Tell me, when Clinton was talking of invading during his term, was it because "God told him"? When every prominent liberal flip-flopped pro-Bush were they suddenly rushed by a God-like experience?

    Every person is entitled to their beliefs.

    I can say one thing, because of Allah, 3,000 of our people were slaughtered on our own soil because this nonsense was ignored for decades (in a matter of 15 minutes - compared to 2,000 American deaths in three years with progress in Iraq to justify every single one of them).

    God is not a problem with the President. The war was voted on and it had nothing to do with God. Most of the debates to date of people who are pro-war have nothing to do with Christianity.

    This is just another attempt to cause us to lose. At least stick to one rant - ya know bring up the Downing Street Memo again! Bring up Cindy Sheehan! LOL.

    This doesn't say much for the rest of your party's arguments.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Anonymous10:55 AM

    Drewl, you can't be serious about those links? There isn't one single direct quote stating what you claim: that God told Bush to attack Iraq.

    You bought that whole, "God told me to do it" think hook, line and sinker.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Anonymous12:23 PM

    Lydia,

    I admire the way you look at this whole Ann Coulter mess from a truly spritual perspective. It's refreshing to hear someone actually speak with true Christian principles.

    So much of what is said in the name of Christianity right now seems to come from a self righteous, judgemental view point. Which doesn't have any relation to the principles Jesus taught and lived by.

    The punishment for people like Ann Coulter is they have to live in their own head, and for someone like Coulter thats a pretty scary neighborhood to live in.

    ReplyDelete
  19. The fact of the matter is, there are many examples of White House insiders who claim that Bush believes he is guided by God in his push for war.

    And you say that the deaths on 9/11 were "because of Allah"? How ignorant can you be? That's like saying that medical clinics bombed by fundamentalist Christians are because of God or Jesus Christ. How ridiculous! Just because a handful of whackos carry their insane beliefs to the extreme doesn't mean it represents what 99.9% of the rest of the given population would do or what they believe.

    And like so many of the others who have been so duped by the Bush administration, you seem to imply that 9/11 is somehow related to our going to war in Iraq. Even Bush contended as much at a speech in Minneapolis on Friday. The lies and misinformation just continue unabated.

    Bush may be a Christian in name, but his actions belie his faith. He knowingly lied about the rationale for going to war. And if he didn't lie, then he certainly demonstrated his utter ignorance as Commander in Chief. Picking and choosing the intelligence one uses to justify something as dire as war is akin to malfeasance, at best, and criminal deceit, at worst.

    But if Bush truly believes that God is the one who guided him to go to war, then he's got some serious sanity issues to deal with. And, apparently, the rest of us will have to deal with the aftermath of his unstable decision-making.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Anonymous6:54 PM

    Worfeus : Your right, that is a great picture/homepage of Lydia; classy and respectable. Thats what I came here for in the first place -instead I found a weird site where Lydia Cornell is trying to make the trains run on time.

    I was completely unaware of who or what ann colter was a week ago. It has always astonished me BIG TIME at the morons who follow these types of people; they are extreme lost souls and comical. However, it is useless trying to talk to them as their powers of comprehension are limited to the form they wish to fill.


    I suggest Lydia should throw a big fat juicy chocolate cream pie in colters nefarious and fake looking face.


    Johnny moo moo

    ReplyDelete
  21. Anonymous12:33 AM

    I don't know Worfeus.

    I have to say, the implication that Ann is "jealous" is unsubstantiated. She hasn't been talking about Lydia. It seems that Lydia still has plenty to say about her however.

    This pic of Coulter begs to differ. Hot AND has brains!

    http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/051208/480/hf10312080333

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hi Lydia:

    I'm new to this site and just barely logged on. I look forward to reading all of your blogs. I'm very happy that you are into writing them. I agree with your opinions 100% and I totally understand your spiritual insight. You are truly awesome!

    It is my opinion that the president has totally gone into war out of deception and I have friends who are marines who have come back from Iraq claiming it isn't for anything other than control of the oil which totally validated my thoughts on what we're really there for. It seems we are there not only for a religious war but also for the president’s greed.

    I wish there was a way to mass produce grain fuel and feasibly convert over everybody's engines. Not only would it help our country no longer have a need to be at war but our farmer’s futures would flourish.

    What is your take on the government (The FCC) going overboard on censorship? It just bugs me because the president states we're helping build a democracy in Iraq and giving them freedom - yet it seems like more and more of OUR freedoms are being taken away – not to mention his desire to amend the constitution…I wonder if he would take away freedom of privacy and religion while he’s at it.

    As for what Ann Coulter did to you...I’m shocked. She is definitely a negative soul in need of some serious prayers. I cannot believe that she would risk your and your family's safety like that. How ridiculous - is she 100% insane? Perhaps, I should add in an additional prayer for her to get her head examined!

    Keep up the great work that you do. Take care and God bless you and your family always.

    Sincerely,
    Rene - a fellow Christian. 0:-D

    ReplyDelete
  23. Anonymous8:23 AM

    If mankind is to have any manufactured hope then I believe religious people should set a good example of TRUE goodwill. As religion is the number one killer on the planet, I think its sad to see this type of behaviour among two christians on such a small civil scale which only reinforces my atheist beliefs.

    I do,however, completely agree with Worfeus that something must be responsible (and this could be some kind of weird test) for all that is around us. But, I will NEVER believe in the comical concept that I will suffer eternal torture for not being the perfect human being on earth.
    This is really nasty and unbalanced punishment and I will tell this to His face if He wasnt such a chicken and come have a beer with me....Once again, He is always welcome.

    And No, I am not the devil, nor is Satan working through me......I think it would be great to float on clouds and eat grapes all day in heaven!

    By the way, I just temporarily brainwashed myself and talked to God and He said ann colter definitely deserves a chocolate cream pie in the face. Being Christian doesnt mean being a doormat.

    Johnny moo moo
    atheist

    ReplyDelete