Uncovering the Secret Washington Family: Fundamentalism in American Politics

Jeff Sharlet, Author, The Family and C Street: The Fundamentalist Threat to American Democracy
 
The Family grabbed headlines last year when adulterous politicians including John Ensign and Mark Sanford were linked to the shadowy organization. Journalist Sharlet has been at the forefront of uncovering the national and international political influence of this Washington, D.C.-based Christian fundamentalist group that, until recently, has flown under the radar of the American people. Sharlet has exposed the Family’s ties to ultra-conservative foreign and national legislation like the Ugandan anti-gay bill, which would allow the execution of openly gay Ugandans, and the Stupak–Pitts Amendment to the Affordable Health Care for America Act, which prohibits the use of federal funds to cover any part of the costs of any health plan that includes coverage of abortion. Sharlet argues that the Family, steeped in influence and corruption, fuels and funds political fundamentalism from within our government, and he warns of what the consequences of this power might lead to in the very near future as elections loom ahead.
 
 
Location: Lafayette Library and Learning Center’s Community Hall, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette (BART accessible)
Time: 5:30 p.m. check-in, 6:30 p.m. program, 7:30 p.m. book signing
Cost: $12 members, $22 non-members, $7 students (with valid ID)
Also know: Photo by Greg Martin