The Religious Left?

http://www.thenation.com/doc/20060320/alterman Check this out.

Eric Alterman writes an interesting article in The Nation regarding the Religious Right and its monolithic stature on the political scene over others of faith and political activism. Alterman labels the monopolization of the political discussion as a "hijacking" which is not that far off. The Left fifty and forty years ago was dominated by people of religious faith; early leaders of the American Socialist Party and even (and NOT ironically) the ACLU were people of faith. Do one's homework on Helen Keller and one will be stunned to learn of her activism in the name of God in the 1920s and 1930s. With the major shift towards conservatism in the 1970s which has ballooned into the far-right movement that runs most AM stations and "red state" politics, the left naturally shifted to economic matters. That itself was an extension of the religious left of twenty years prior. Over the last twenty-five years, conservative religious groups have dictated the discussion as well as the vocabulary of "spiritual-poitical" issues. The Left is as soft on this issue as it has been on others such as political leadership.
Considering myself as one of the spiritual Left as well as surrounded by friends and acquaintances who do so as well, I would like to hear from them on this issue; their thoughts, directions or critiques are greatly appreciated.

Speaking of the spiritual left (of course I can't help myself), the official release of Bruce Springsteen's new album is 4/25. Another dualdisc release, the Seeger Sessions has as album cover that could pass for a modern-day Music From Big Pink, with studio musicians playing fiddles, banjos, double bass and a variety of acoustic instruments along with B-3 organ. This one may seem like an off-shoot from previous releases but nonetheless has piqued by interest.