American democracy Quote by Richard John Neuhaus
“Whatever else the religious Right may be, it is a bonanza for its opponents... Reports of the great terror that is upon us are raising millions of dollars in fund appeals by Planned Parenthood, the American Civil Liberties Union, the National Organization for Women, Norman Lear's People for the American Way, and others who claim to believe that the religious Right is the greatest peril to American democracy since Joe McCarthy.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public commentary on religious politics, United States, early 1990s
The religious Right, while controversial, generates substantial fundraising for its political opponents, highlighting how fear can mobilize resources against perceived threats to democracy.
In simple terms: Opponents use fear of the religious Right to raise money.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how fear can be leveraged for fundraising.
Themes
politics
religion
fundraising
media
democracy
Mood
concerned
critical
analytical
Type
political
commentary
observational
When to use this quote
- nonprofit campaigns
- media coverage
- political rallies
- policy debates
Key Concepts
Social mobilization
political opposition
financial incentives
Questions to Reflect On
- How does fear-driven fundraising affect democratic dialogue?
- What are ethical limits of using fear in political advocacy?
A Different Perspective
Reliance on fear may distort public discourse and create polarization.
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