Pharisee of the Day
(thanks to dave at Eschaton for the tip)

Well, the Reverend Lou Sheldon is proving that if their so-called Messiah came back today, Sheldon and the rest of the American Taliban would face his wrath. Do they even read the Bible anymore? Do they remember the part where the money-changers are violently thrown out of the temple by an outraged Jesus? Profiting off the misfortune of a brain-dead woman and her parents' sad unwillingness to let her go. It's a new low, even for the fundies:

THE MONEY: Conservatives Invoke Case in Fund-Raising Campaigns
By DAVID D. KIRKPATRICK

Published: March 25, 2005

Videotape of Terri Schiavo blinking at her parents has inspired donations from people around the country to the foundation set up to help pay for the family's legal battle. But many other groups are soliciting donations in her name as well, some for a much broader agenda.

"Help Save Terri Schiavo's Life!" says the Web site of the Traditional Values Coalition, a Christian conservative group best known for its campaigns against gay rights. Next to a link to the Web site of her parents' foundation is a pitch to "become an active supporter of the Traditional Values Coalition by pledging a monthly gift."

"What this issue has done is it has galvanized people the way nothing could have done in an off-election year," said Rev. Lou Sheldon, the founder of the group, acknowledging that the case of Ms. Schiavo, a severely brain-damaged Florida woman, had moved many to open up their checkbooks. "That is what I see as the blessing that dear Terri's life is offering to the conservative Christian movement in America."

Mr. Sheldon, whose organization is based in Anaheim, Calif., said his group had sent e-mail messages and direct mailings telling supporters to call elected officials about the Schiavo case and usually asking for donations as well.

Congratulations, Reverend. You're our Pharisee of the Day.
- posted by TJ @ 8:19 AM