Someone please wrap a head scarf around Tony Perkins’ mouth

April 7, 2007

Guest Post by Morbo

Every weekday, Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, takes the latest Republican Party taking points, adds some stuff about Jesus to them, and e-mails them to his supporters. It must be the world’s easiest job.

A recent Perkins salvo attacked House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for wearing a head scarf while visiting a mosque in Syria. The Carpetbagger has already pointed out why this is a non-issue. First Lady Laura Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice have both worn head scarves when visiting the Middle East. It’s a sign of respect for the cultural norms there.

It’s amusing to hear Perkins rant about this. I thought he wanted to see more respect for religion in public life. Yet, this week he nearly hyperventilated.

While it is troubling that the leader third in line for the presidency (behind only the Vice President) would kowtow to a country that is a major purveyor in the trafficking of women, illegal drugs and terrorism, it’s even more disturbing that she would concede by covering her head — which is usually seen as a sign of submission in the Muslim world.

Yep, Pelosi should have shown those Muslims who’s boss. She should have walked right into that mosque wearing go-go boots, spit on the floor, and started eating a sausage McMuffin.

Regular readers know I’m against religious fanatics running our lives. But that does not mean I fail to recognize common decency and politeness. When you choose to visit a house of worship, you should respect the rules that faith promulgates. I doubt I’ll ever be invited to attend Perkins’ church, but if I am, I will wear a coat and tie and make sure I bring the right kind of snake.

When you are a guest, you strive not to offend. Mormons don’t allow non-Mormons into their services, so don’t try to attend them. Catholics practice closed communion; if you are not Catholic, don’t take communion. Many churches expect you to wear dress clothes to services. Do so. (Confused? Here’s a good book on religious etiquette.) If you’re not sure about something, you can always ask.

Let’s be clear: Perkins doesn’t give a rip about what statement, if any, Pelosi’s head scarf made. He’s just eager for any cheap shot to use against her because he is a GOP hack. I am certain that if Pelosi had not worn that scarf, Perkins, Drudge and the rest of the gang would have immediately issued statements blaring, “Pelosi offends entire Muslim world with brazen display of feminism.” So you see, they win either way.

What a bunch of boorish dorks.

Note: This weekend, a number of bloggers are taking part in an effort called “Blog Against Theocracy.” If you want to read more posts beating on the Religious Right and defending the separation of church and state — and who doesn’t love posts like that? — go here. (But make sure you read everything on The Carpetbagger Report first.)

Have any of these wanksmiths mentioned that Pelosi entered said mosque to view the tomb of John the Baptist?

Doubt it. Perky and his ilk are too busy blowing our hypocrisy meters by moaning about women’s rights. They’d either have to spew their outrage over the fact that the Muslims are holding John “hostage,” (and admit there’ shit they can do about it) or STFU.

Needless to say, I prefer the latter. But it just goes to show how desperate they are to regain their grip on political relevance.

  • Morbo, you are wrong when you say that non-mormons aren’t allowed into their services. They are, unless the church has changed drastically since I used to go to services many years ago. They consider it another opportunity for proselytizing.

    The only place(s) non-mormons (and even mormons not in “good standing”) aren’t allowed are the mormon temples, where the “holiest” of the “holy” rites take place.

    Also, I’ve never been catholic, but I’ve taken communion in a catholic church.

    While I don’t disagree with your diatribes against religion, you should try to get your facts straight before you make such blanket statements.

  • Also, I’ve never been catholic, but I’ve taken communion in a catholic church.
    They don’t check ID, but Morbo is correct.

  • “I doubt I’ll ever be invited to attend Perkins’ church, but if I am, I will wear a coat and tie and make sure I bring the right kind of snake.”

    Oooo. That’s a bit of a low blow. But sauce for the goose…..

  • What’s even funnier about all this, since Perkins claims some familiarity with the Bible, is that he missed the commandment in First Corinthians that women are to either cover their hair or cut it off before entering a FREAKIN’ CHRISTIAN CHURCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I don’t believe the Muslims are that radical, about the haircut business.

  • Michael W:

    Fair enough comment about the Mormons. I should have made it clear that I was referring to the Temple ceremonies. I have Mormons in my family, and tend to use their experiences as my guide.

    But I am right about the Catholic Church and communion. I was raised in that church and put in eight years of parochial school. Catholic communion is closed. You are not supposed to take it unless you are a church member. There are a few very limited exceptions. See here for more: http://www.catholic.com/library/Who_Can_Receive_Communion.asp

    Does anyone remember the time Ronald Reagan and Nancy were attending a Catholic service for some reason (maybe a funeral) and took communion? It put the priest in a tough spot. Everyone knew Reagan was not Catholic, but he was the president.

  • what is the proper kind of snake? i would not want to show
    up with the wrong model of reptile…

  • ***Someone please wrap a head scarf around Tony Perkins’ mouth***

    Darn it all, Morbo—I just finished sharping the band-saw blade. I really think that would work better than a scarf….

  • I think Nancy looks nice in a hijab. Might as well. Maybe American women should get use to wearing one.

  • Here’s a hilarious reply from wingnut ranter Gina Cobb, trying for a save after posting a freakout about Headscarfgate, then getting smacked down by numerous commenters noting that Condi and Laura wore headscarves too:

    “But Laura Bush wore a headscarf once in an Islamic country! Condi Rice too!” I’ll bet you can find a few more. And if these women were going out of their way to undermine a sitting president by ignoring his request not to meet with and lend legitimacy to terrorist leaders, and then aggravating the offense by dressing as if they’d already surrendered, I’d have a problem with that, too. When that happens, be sure to let me know, will you? I’ll be right alongside you as you strenuously object.

    Man, some folks just CAN NOT admit to being wrong… and most of them are Republicans.

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