The American View

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The American View is a weekly, hour-long (Sun: 3–4 PM ET on Radio America), nationally syndicated paleo-conservative radio show hosted by Constitution Party 2004 presidential candidate Michael Peroutka and co-host "Recovering Republican" John Lofton. Its thesis claims that there is an American View of law and government outlined in the US Declaration of Independence:

There is a God (Christian).
The rights of human beings come from that God.
The purpose of government is to protect and secure those rights.
When government becomes destructive of those rights, it is the duty of the people to alter or abolish their government.

The American View regularly propounds a constitutional, Christian conservative commentary on American politics. They do not believe anyone but Christians should hold public office, and they regard the Bible as an authoritative legal document that is not in conflict with the United States Constitution. Recent examples include:

Opposition to George W. Bush's faith-based initiative, calling it "an un-Biblical, un-Constitutional program" ^[1]
Opposition to the Federal Marriage Amendment, arguing that a better solution is to impeach or ignore what they call activist judges, who, according to John Lofton, have "Godless, unconstitutional rulings" ^[2]
Opposition to the War in Iraq on the basis that it is unconstitutional and unbiblical
Opposition to illegal immigration on the basis that it causes increases in crime and burdens local government and social service networks
Opposition to the neo-conservative movement, specifically citing William Kristol. ^[3] ^[4]
Opposition to the concept of tolerance, especially of homosexuals, criticizing others of not using the Biblical argument against homosexuality ^[5]
Opposition to women serving in uniform or holding elected office ^[6]
Opposition to all abortions ^[7]
Refusal to consider the concept of global warming or environmental destruction, believing instead that God keeps everything in check and will prevent any serious damage to the environment ^[8]

The American View is also available as a downloadable podcast.

[edit] Controversies

In June of 2006, Lofton challenged political and science activist and blogger Ed Brayton to record a debate.^[9] This was prompted by comments made by Brayton at the Positive Liberty blog^[10] disputing the logic of Lofton at The American View blog where Lofton called for the impeachment of a Maryland judge for not imposing God's law in a ruling that said the state's constitution could not allow a ban on gay marriage.^[11] Brayton offered an online, written debate, arguing that it would allow access for larger audience than that of The American View radio show, would allow the two to speak more thoughtfully and provide for verifiable citations and references to support their positions, and would remove concerns of the taped debate being deceptively edited prior to broadcast. Lofton repeatedly refused a written debate, ultimately calling Brayton a "coward."^[9]

On their website, John Lofton often writes editorials where he pursues personal vendettas against members of the republican and constitution parties along with some in the wider conservative movement.^[12] He will often critcise others who didn't/don't support him, Michael Peroutka's 2004 campaign, or who side with the republican party over conservative 3rd party choices as being liars, ideological impure, or simply mindless cheerleaders.^[13]