LJ-SEC: (ORIGINALLY POSTED BY sunfell)

Here we go again- when the bullies can't win, they holler about being persecuted. Anyone see a pattern?

Indiana Republican says Democrats demonize Christians

By ANDREW TAYLOR
Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON — A Republican congressman accused Democrats on Monday of "denigrating and demonizing Christians" by concluding there was religious intolerance at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

During debate on a proposal by Democrats that would put Congress on record against "coercive and abusive religious proselytizing" at the academy, Rep. John Hostettler, R-Ind., criticized Reps. Steve Israel, D-N.Y., and David Obey, D-Wis.

"Like a moth to a flame, Democrats can't help themselves when it comes to denigrating and demonizing Christians," Hostettler said.

Democrats leapt to their feet and demanded Hostettler be censured for his remarks. After a half-hour's worth of wrangling, Hostettler retracted his comments.

The imbroglio broke out as the House conducted an otherwise sleepy debate on a spending bill to fund the Pentagon and provide an additional $45.3 billion for the war in Iraq.

At issue is how Congress should respond to allegations of proselytizing and favoritism for Christians at the Air Force Academy.

Obey had succeeded during committee debate in attaching a provision condemning Air Force Academy officers for creating a climate where non-Christians were discriminated against.

The Air Force is investigating numerous allegations of inappropriate actions by academy officials, including a professor who required cadets to pray before taking his test and a Protestant chaplain who warned anyone not proselytizing would "burn in the fires of hell."

Obey said a senior chaplain at the academy was transferred to Japan after criticizing what she saw as proselytizing.

Republicans offered softer language requiring an Air Force report to Congress on the steps it was taking to promote religious tolerance. They said they did not want to jump to conclusions before the investigation was complete.

Democrats criticized Hostettler's remarks, which began, "The long war on Christianity in America continues today on the floor of the United States House of Representatives."

Obey said Hostettler's "outburst ... is perhaps the perfect example of why we need to pass the language in my amendment."

Hostettler, a Christian and social conservative, made headlines last year when he was caught carrying a loaded handgun in a carry-on bag in the Louisville, Ky., airport. He pleaded guilty to carrying a concealed weapon and received a 60-day sentence, which he will not have to serve unless he has other criminal troubles before August 2006.