Author looks at 'R2K' issues

The political right wing is gaining support and influence in the U.S., and something needs to be done. At least that's the concern that Jean Hardisty, author of Mobilizing Resentment: Conservative Resurgence from the John Birch Society to the Promise Keepers, addressed at the White Dog CafZ on Monday night. Hardisty, the executive director of Political Research Associates, came to speak at the University while on tour promoting her book, which is based on her work observing right-wing politics over the past 20 years. The dinner and lecture were co-sponsored by the White Dog and the Bread and Roses Community Fund. Under the leadership of Judy Wicks, the White Dog has become known for its involvement in the liberal political scene. Wicks frequently hosts speakers for similar programs designed to promote social activism. Bread and Roses dedicates itself to supporting local grassroots organizations that are making social and economic changes. As executive director at PRA, Hardisty monitors anti-democratic trends in the U.S. Her concern, and the focus of her lecture, was that the Christian Right movement is becoming too powerful. She fears that it may threaten the rights of women, gays and racial minorities. "There is a lot of racism and it is being hidden by political correctness," Hardisty said as she warned listeners of the sentiments underlying right-wing actions. Hardisty said she has spent so much time studying the right wing because she feels that one of its goals is to alienate women. During the 30-minute speech, Hardisty discussed the history of the Christian Right, as well as of the dangerous role she said it could play in the future unless something is done to challenge its radical platform. The book seems to have attracted praise from at least one prominent figure. "By exposing the power of [right-wing America's] deep resentment of democracy, she also shows us how to confront and diminish that power," feminist leader Gloria Steinem wrote in response to Hardisty's book. After Hardisty explained the content of her book and expressed her concerns, the lecture turned to discussing ways to prevent the right wing from spreading its influence any further in American politics. Mike Morrill of the Philadelphia Consumer Action Network addressed a problem he referred to as Republican 2000, or R2K. Members of PCAN are planning events to spread the power of the progressive movement in response to growing Republican activism. PCAN hopes to create a strong Democratic presence in the city next July when Philadelphia hosts the 2000 Republican National Convention. Morrill spoke of the events planned by PCAN to draw the attention of journalists away from Republicans, including a mass march through Philadelphia that PCAN is planning. He encouraged those attending the dinner at White Dog to get involved. "They will be a very important opportunity to draw attention to the progressive movement," Morrill said.