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E.J. Dionne is kinder in The Washington Post. Maybe not so much to Pat himself, but certainly to conservative Christians. "Pat Robertson's decision to step down as president of the Christian Coalition and leave politics is good news for Christians, especially conservative Christians," he writes. "Having Robertson as a chief public spokesman for religious conservatism ultimately undercut its cause, partly because Robertson seemed eager to identify God's will with the electoral success of one political party, and partly because of Robertson's own peculiar views." These views, he says represent "neither conservatism nor Christianity. [They are] garden-variety conspiracy theory associated with groups such as the old John Birch Society—and I'm not sure I'm being entirely fair to the Birchers."

Shockingly, the columnist who doesn't have anything to say on Robertson's resignation is the Post's Colbert I. King, who has made Robertson his personal punching bag of late. Instead, he writes about Kensington, Maryland's banning of Santa Claus in a Christmas display.

Faith-based initiative is back on track—or is it?
Religion News Service and the Associated Press report that parts of Bush's faith-based initiative may be passed this month. Only it doesn't include the part about faith-based organizations being able to compete for government funds. Which means it's basically just a tax break. Next up: new federal airline regulations that cut out anything about airports or airplanes.

Music industry:

• Christian radio service preaches peer-to-peer | Salem Communications tests Napster model (Cnet)
• FTC: Music industry still marketing adult fare to kids | But video game industry is making progress (Associated Press)

Religion after September 11:

• Americans see religion as gaining clout in public life | Suddenly, a big majority of the public sees religion as a more influential player, a new poll finds. (The Christian Science Monitor)
• Bible sales expected to soar for Christmas | After terrorist attacks, Christians more willing to give religious gifts (Associated Press)

Other stories of interest:

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December (Web-only) 2001, Vol. 45