Maybe it was being in a house where the 700 Club was on; I’m reminded of Ralph Reed. The misinformation being spread around to appeal to religious groups is similar to the way Ralph Reed played the Christians for fools.

Ralph Reed and Jack Abramoff were college Republicans together and later worked as lobbyists. Abramoff was representing the Choctaw gambling casino and Ralph Reed was in the Christian Coalition, which opposes gambling. Abramoff was making big bucks. Seeing an opportunity, Reed offered to sign on. He offered the Christian Coalition, with all its sincere citizens and votes, as allies in the Choctaw casino cause.

Of course, the Christians would never have gone for this if they knew who was behind it. Reed convinced thousands of good Christians that they were opposing gambling. Actually they were helping the Choctaw to eliminate competition and maximize profits. Reed was paid well for his service to the casino.

He did a lot of other dishonest things while trading on his public piety. Abramoff ended up in jail and Reed has lost some creds, but he can always repent.

Some of the people who are rallying against a government option for health care will be shocked to discover that they have been working for the interests of the insurance industry. They are most likely to be hurt by the mess we have, and have the most to gain from reform.