Mark my word, if and when these preachers get control of the [Republican]
party, and they're sure trying to do so, it's going to be a terrible damn
problem. Frankly, these people frighten me. Politics and governing demand
compromise. But these Christians believe they are acting in the name of God,
so they can't and won't compromise. I know, I've tried to deal with them.
.....
The religious factions that are growing throughout our land are not using
their religious clout with wisdom.... I'm frankly sick and tired of the
political preachers across this country telling me as a citizen that if I want to be a moral person, I must believe in 'A,' 'B,' 'C,' and 'D.' Just who do they think they are?... I will fight them every step of the way if they try to dictate their moral convictions to all Americans in the name of "conservatism."
- Barry Goldwater, (1909–1998), five-term US Senator, Republican Party
nominee for President in 1964*, Maj. Gen., US Air Force Reserves, author of
The Conscience of a Conservative.