It provides deep insight into the conservative mind and that of their fundamentalist allies.

For example, why the attack on Relativity? The idea that Relativity in physics is somehow related, or leads, to moral relativism just because they are both spelled the same must be palpably absurd, even to the most ossified fundamentalist mind. However, a little collateral research suggests an explanation.

Astronomers tell us that light from distant stars and galaxies has spent thousands, even millions, of years getting here. If the Earth was created just a few thousand years ago, then those heavenly bodies must have been created much earlier than our planet--in direct contradiction to Scripture. Therefore, the invariability of the speed of light must be questioned or the whole Genesis account unravels.

In an attempt to "save the phenomenon", General Relativity must be wrong. And of course, whatever is wrong in their universe, must also be evil, and a Liberal plot to pervert their minds and steal their souls--you know, like socialized medicine leads directly to the Gulag. In the world of the fanatic, you're not allowed to be merely mistaken, you have to be in league with Satan as well.

Of course, reactionary politics should have nothing to do with religious fundamentalism, we're talking about two totally different things; not all conservatives are religious, and not all religionists are conservative. But it cannot be denied that these two tribes are inextricably linked together in modern American politics. Draw yourself a Venn diagram, it will help. The two circles almost, but don't precisely, coincide. However, much of their logic and methods are a perfect match. A marriage made in heaven.

These are the people who want their country back and feel they have the god-given right to do whatever it takes to take it.