This adds another layer to the multi-layered problems with the likely unlawful Whitaker appointment.
But it also highlights how embedded the Christian right--and Christian right ideology about law and politics--is rapidly becoming the express policy of the Trump administration.
But it also highlights how embedded the Christian right--and Christian right ideology about law and politics--is rapidly becoming the express policy of the Trump administration.
Setting aside Whitaker's comment that he's a "New Testament" sort, the whole discussion recounted in this 2014 column is completely commonplace in the Christian right, specifically, that judges should decide cases from a "biblical" worldview, or according to biblical law.
This is, for example, the view of Roy Moore, who notoriously defied a court order to remove a 2-ton Ten Commandments monument from the courthouse, and tried to stop court clerks in Alabama from issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
Remember him? The one who lost his Senate race after the Washington Post exposed his past sexual abuse/harassment of teenaged girls.
Tuesday night, one of his proteges was elected chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court (a post previously held by Moore).
Tuesday night, one of his proteges was elected chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court (a post previously held by Moore).
Christian right law schools teach students that" civil disobedience" to court orders (otherwise known as contempt of court) is ok if the order conflicts with "God's law." religiondispatches.org/who-is-mat-sta…
It's pretty commonplace to hear Christian right activists call for judicial nominees to be ones who would follow "biblical law" or "biblical principles."
But usually they don't get to be Acting Attorney General of the United States.
But usually they don't get to be Acting Attorney General of the United States.
Like I said, this is commonplace talk in the Christian right. But not in DOJ!
But I've been seeing more and more people who say the quiet parts out loud getting positions in the Trump admin. Whitaker has a mountain of other issues. But this is part of the whole picture.
But I've been seeing more and more people who say the quiet parts out loud getting positions in the Trump admin. Whitaker has a mountain of other issues. But this is part of the whole picture.
I broke down the Trump admin relationship with the Christian right in this @bloggingheads with @robertwrighter and @mschmitt9:
Remember one more thing: the Christian right really likes Jeff Sessions. They were very pleased with actions he took with regard to "religious liberty" during his tenure as AG.
I'm guessing Trump realizes he needs to replace him with another true believer on that front.
I'm guessing Trump realizes he needs to replace him with another true believer on that front.
