A science research project in England has come under a storm of criticism for trying to determine the physiological reasons why roughly eight percent of male sheep prefer the company of other male sheep. Many can infer from this research that scientists are attempting to understand where homosexuality occurs in the brain, making it easier to predict markers of gay tendencies, and possibly develop a treatment for the disorder — in sheep.

Many have inferred from the project that scientists would like to eventually eliminate gay sheep all together, with further speculation that any treatments for sheep could eventually be developed for humans. The lead scientist has been quick to point out that homosexuality in the human brain is far more complex than that for sheep, and that any “treatment” for humans is highly unlikely.

What enrages me about this story is that the project is being funded by the National Institutes of Health, a federally funded entity. What possible benefit is there to this nation or the world in eliminating gay sheep? Does the NIH not have more important scientific research to fund? Have we cured Cancer, Alzheimer’s, AIDS or Lou Gerigh’s disease yet? No.

To me, it proves that this goverment (run by Republicans for the last 12 years) is out to define homosexuality as a disorder, and to further control nature to please the delicate sensitivities of small minded individuals who are threatened by the mere existance of homosexuals. Perhaps the NIH should be more concerned with solving issues related to ignorance in this country, first.

On last week’s “60 Minutes” there was a disturbing story on a growing trend of “street fighting” videos. The typical arrangement is that a group of kids (or adults if they have no shame) pick a fight with each other in some public or private venue while others look on and record the fight on video. The video of the fight is then later sold as part of collection of other fights in video stores or distributed through a number of subscription websites.

But “60 Minutes” covered a new angle to this social problem by highlighting a new trend called “Bum Fight” where people (adults and teenagers) pay the homeless to fight one another or in some way perform a stupid stunt to harm themselves. The story covered a couple of teens in Canada that watched some of the “bum fight” videos and thought it would be fun to kidnap a homeless man and torture him for three days in the woods. The victim died as a result of this torture.

This is the type of phenomenon that requires moral leadership from every level of our governments. There is something wrong with a society that lacks the outrage to end this nonsense, but finds it appropriate to talk at length about what movie starts are sleeping with one another or what an actress wore to the Emmy Awards. Where are the religious leaders that our nation holds so dear on this topic? The lack of action by anyone on this topic only further demonstrates the dichotomy of our selective embracing of Christian values in this country.

In a speech delivered on Friday to the gathering of Christian political operatives at the “Values Voter Summit”, Jerry Falwell said that he hoped Hillary Clinton is the Democratic presidential nominee in 2008. According to the L.A. Times, Falwell says that no other candidate could mobilize the GOP “base” (the neo-conservative religious base) like Clinton. Falwell went on to say that Clinton has a “war chest” of $300 million (a complete exageration, she has $47 million according to recent filings), and that Republicans should be prepared to give until it hurts.

“I certainly hope that Hillary is the candidate,” Falwell said, according to the recording. “She has $300 million so far. But I hope she’s the candidate. Because nothing will energize my [constituency] like Hillary Clinton.”

Cheers and laughter filled the room as Falwell continued: “If Lucifer ran, he wouldn’t.”

At that moment in the recording, Falwell’s voice is drowned out by hoots of approval. But two in attendance, including a Falwell staff member, confirmed that Falwell said that even Lucifer, the fallen angel synonymous with Satan in Christian theology, would not mobilize his followers as much as the New York senator and former first lady would.

And there it is — the GOP strategy for 2008 and beyond. It is a very simple plan, one that has been in the works for decades — Christians vs. non-Christians (perceived or real). Drawing the connection between someone who has diligently served others to the devil.

And what does Falwell say about the 2006 mid-term elections and the challenges facing Republicans across the country?

Falwell predicted that this year’s midterm elections would go in the GOP’s favor, despite polls showing Democrats in position to make gains.

“I think we’re going to keep the House and the Senate,” he said. “I think the Lord will take care of that.”

I am so sick and tired of hearing someone say that the Lord will do this or that, or has done this or that to punish anyone not aligning themselves with the neo-conservative Kool-Aid brigade. Do people really believe this stuff? I mean, doesn’t the Lord have more important things to worry about than who wins a congressional election?