alibi . march 3 – 9, 2005
The Messiah’s Senator
By Jim Scarantino

On Valentine’s Day, Republican state Sen. Mark Boitano, who represents part of Albuquerque’s Northeast Heights, joined opponents of gay marriage in a press conference to promote “pro-family” legislation. The Albuquerque Journal photo showed a tense Boitano surrounded by gay rights activists. What the story did not mention is that for 30 years Boitano has been a follower of Rev. Sun Myung Moon, who calls gays “dung eating dogs” to be “eliminated” or “burned.”

Boitano is so loyal, he helped crown Moon the Messiah in Washington, D.C., last year. …

Americans have the right to hold any religious belief. But when an elected official participates in crowning a self-declared Messiah while advocating so-called “pro-family” laws, it’s time for vigilance. Because Moon wants the U.S. Constitution replaced by “Godism,” to be administered by himself, it’s wise to at least question the agenda of all elected officials in his camp. We have every right to ask how they can uphold the Bill of Rights when the man to whom they swear fealty desires dictatorial theocracy.

At issue before the Legislature is not, and must not be, religious doctrine. It is the question whether two adults may form a particular contract. You only need a lowly county clerk to seal the civil contract called marriage. Religious unions, by the same token, are not government’s business. If it’s holy matrimony you want, the person to see is a minister, priest, rabbi, or even the True Father?especially if you’d rather not choose your spouse.
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Scarantino is an Albuquerque attorney and served recently as president of Mainstream 204, a national organization of moderate Republicans.

Kudos to Scarantino for writing this. Yes, you have the right to worship (or not). You don’t have the right to undermine the Constitution with your faith. mjh