Address on religious factions (1981)
Context: In the past couple years, I have seen many news items that referred to the Moral Majority, prolife and other religious groups as "the new right," and the "new conservatism." Well, I have spent quite a number of years carrying the flag of the old conservatism. And I can say with conviction that the religious issues of these groups have little or nothing to do with conservative or liberal politics.
The uncompromising position of these groups is a divisive element that could tear apart the very spirit of our representative system, if they gain sufficient strength.
As it is, they are diverting us away from the vital issues that our Government needs to address. Far too much of the time of members of Congress and officials in the Executive Branch is used up dealing with special-interest groups on issues like abortion, school busing, ERA, prayer in the schools and pornography. While these are important moral issues, they are secondary right now to our national security and economic survival.
“The specter of single-issue religious groups is growing over our land.”
Address on religious factions (1981)
Context: The specter of single-issue religious groups is growing over our land. … One of the great strengths of our political system always has been our tendency to keep religious issues in the background. By maintaining the separation of church and state, the United States has avoided the intolerance which has so divided the rest of the world with religious wars.
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Barry Goldwater 32
American politician 1909–1998Related quotes
“There is no thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives.”
From a speech given in Nyeri, Kenya, 26 July 1952.
“Until the occupation of our land is over, we cannot make any deals.”
Source: "Crimean leader visiting Canada urges strong sanctions against Russia" in CBC News https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/crimean-leader-no-deals-1.3588026 (18 May 2016)
“Acceptance of the problems experienced by the group where they are clearly defined as issues”
Carl Rogers on Personal Power (1977)
In the article 'What I know about women...' in Observer Women's Magazine (February 2007)
Speech quoted in "Birth Control: What It Is, How It Works, What It Will Do." The Proceedings of the First American Birth Control Conference. Held at the Hotel Plaza, New York City, November 11-12, 1921. Published by the Birth Control Review, Gothic Press, pages 172 and 174.