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Religion rose to divide us
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Gordon S | 12:57 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
John Mc Cain did not pick Mitt Romney as a running mate most likely because many
Christians do not consider Mormons to be Christians and feared they would not
vote for him. Sarah Palin will probably be his downfall. Religion does count,
however John Kennedy was brilliant and was very charismatic. Mr. Obama being a
black (or half black) man is in the right place at the right time. If people
did not hate Bush so much he would probably not have the wide support he has.
Republicans don't like us | 2:27 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
The Republican party is no longer recognizable. Why do we even support it?
Republicans despise Mormons, yet we're willing to tow the ridiculous party line!
Pathetic!
Republicans despise Mormons, yet we're willing to tow the ridiculous party line!
Pathetic!
Comments continue below
downfall? | 2:59 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
ZOGBY SATURDAY: Republican John McCain has pulled back within the margin of
error... The three-day average holds steady, but McCain out polled Obama 48% to
47% in Friday, one day, polling. He is beginning to cut into Obama's lead
among independents, is now leading among blue collar voters, has strengthened
his lead among investors and among men, and is walloping Obama among NASCAR
voters. Joe the Plumber may get his license after all...
Should get a Presidential medal!
heh...
We redneck, gun toting, religious nuts WILL win this after all.... And no offense to Mormons.
Should get a Presidential medal!
heh...
We redneck, gun toting, religious nuts WILL win this after all.... And no offense to Mormons.
Anonymous | 3:04 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
Romney did not lose because of his religion--it was more a question of his
appeal to the other politicians and the public at large. They did not identify
with him or support him. He did not come across as real and authentic. I
don't think he will fare any better in 2012. The same issues, tapes, etc.
will be played over and over again in the next cycle. Utah needs to move on and
let go. The mourning period is over.
Timj | 4:08 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
Saddleback Forum, mentioned in the article, is a great place to go for the
candidate's views on religion.
Look it up. You'll be surprised.
Look it up. You'll be surprised.
Where's truth in journalism? | 5:32 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
"Even with all the attention on Wright, a recent poll indicated that 12
percent of the public persisted in believing the false rumor that Obama was a
Muslim"
False rumor? Wait a minute - Obama is a Muslim! I don't know where the Deseret News gathers its statistics or what research its staff really has done on Obama's childhood and Muslim law as it relates to a son born to a Muslim father; but just a week ago in an interview Obama had with the press, he slipped and referred to himself as a Muslim, then quickly attempted to correct himself by saying he's a Christian. No one would make that kind of mistake about his religous beliefs, accept of course, on purpose.
Like many other issues associated with Obama's past, the press goes out of its way to suppress his "true identity" and excuse his past associations. I find it more than a simple "leftist" agenda on the part of the press. I find it unforgivable!
If we think Bush is bad (and he is), just wait until Obama is president - all hell will break out and the America we once knew, will be gone.
False rumor? Wait a minute - Obama is a Muslim! I don't know where the Deseret News gathers its statistics or what research its staff really has done on Obama's childhood and Muslim law as it relates to a son born to a Muslim father; but just a week ago in an interview Obama had with the press, he slipped and referred to himself as a Muslim, then quickly attempted to correct himself by saying he's a Christian. No one would make that kind of mistake about his religous beliefs, accept of course, on purpose.
Like many other issues associated with Obama's past, the press goes out of its way to suppress his "true identity" and excuse his past associations. I find it more than a simple "leftist" agenda on the part of the press. I find it unforgivable!
If we think Bush is bad (and he is), just wait until Obama is president - all hell will break out and the America we once knew, will be gone.
sob | 5:54 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
religion should not be a reason to vote for or against any one for the
presidency.
religious hatred | 6:27 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
Michael Otterson is 100% accurate this year will be remembered for the hatred and intolerance which has characterised American politics.
Ironically such behaviour has diverted attention from the real issues affecting everyone so seriously.
Is it possible for Americans to unite behind a newly elected president or is the nation so divided that this year marks what is to come?
oldman | 6:33 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
Better than being stuck with a warmonger - corporate - silver spoon fed -
environmental - religious fanatic - for the next four years. Any GOP president
guts the country before they are through. The Democrats always come in and HAVE
to clean up the damage the GOP makes. Just what is the purpose of the GOP -
except corporate pandering.
Gary | 6:54 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
Romney deserved well his failure. When he made his famous speech on religion, he
specifically rejected any place for irreligious people in leadership, stating
that "there is no freedom without religion." He wants to have it both
ways: Christians should overlook their differences with his religion, but
fellow-Mormons should discriminate against agnostics or atheists seeking office.
It was a pleasure to see him rejected by the very people (the Christian right)
to whom he was pandering.
Anonymous | 7:04 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
This is not news. We have known for centuries that religion devides. It does
nothing else. Religion is devisive. That is all it is. It does no other good in
the world. It just divides people. Some religions are more divisive than others.
Those religions that teach that they are the one and only true
"church" are the most divisive. Radical Islam. Mormonism.
Fundamentalist LDS. These are some examples of the most divisive religions in
the world today.
Robert F. O'Rourke | 7:25 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
Great article and very true. There is a really good book that just came out
titled, "A Different God? Mitt Romney, the Religious Right, and the Mormon
Question" that goes into detail about the anti-Mormon bigotry Mitt Romney
faced when he ran for president. The book is available at places like Deseret
Book, etc.
Romney's Problem | 7:42 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
Yes, many in the ultra-conservative wing of the Republican party are biased
against Romney, but his other big problem was that he tried to pander to them by
flopping on many issues. He rejected many of his smart and moderate views that
made him a good governor in Massachusetts, in a misguided attempt to transform
himself into an ultra conservative. Eventually (and it's happening to some
extent already), Republicans in Utah are going to wake up and stop supporting
the ultra-right-wing conservative nut jobs (like Huckabee and Palin).
Romney has no chance | 8:05 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
How convenient to blame anti-Mormon sentiment for Mitt Romney's failure in
the election. It's funny that people would think so in 2008: after all a
self-made African American candidate was able to rise to the top, but a good
looking all-American billionaire who inherited his privilege supposedly lost
because he is LDS? Baloney.
Romney lost because he is a shameless flip-flopper with no convictions and no moral backbone. Romney was pro-abortion, pro-gay, anti-Reagan, and he admitted as much on TV many times. Somehow in 2008 we were supposed to believe that Romney is pro-life, anti-gay, and a "Reagan Republican." Give me a break.
At least both McCain and Obama are consistent in their values and don't treat the voters as potential customers who can be swindled by smooth salesmanship.
After revealing himself to be a total flip-flopper and a craven fraud, Mitt Romney has zero chance of being elected president.
Romney lost because he is a shameless flip-flopper with no convictions and no moral backbone. Romney was pro-abortion, pro-gay, anti-Reagan, and he admitted as much on TV many times. Somehow in 2008 we were supposed to believe that Romney is pro-life, anti-gay, and a "Reagan Republican." Give me a break.
At least both McCain and Obama are consistent in their values and don't treat the voters as potential customers who can be swindled by smooth salesmanship.
After revealing himself to be a total flip-flopper and a craven fraud, Mitt Romney has zero chance of being elected president.
John S. | 8:07 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
McCain relied on luck rather than skill to run his campaign. Choosing Sarah
Palin over Romney was one of the dumber things he did. The states where Romney
won, McCain is sendng Romney over and over again to visit. However it isn't
working because the people who voted for Romney just aren't excited about
McCain. I hope McCain staffers look at prop 8 and see how a small minority is
making a large influence. Romney would have had that engine behind him.
schreinervideo | 8:34 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
Romney was a victim of hate and most Utahans will reward the bigots with their
votes. Ironic, huh?
Mulligan | 8:36 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
Based upon how this election cycle has played out, the conservative wing of the
Republican party -- read the Reagan true and faithful -- got to the primary
party a little late and will have their "mulligan" in 2012 when they
nominate Mitt Romney.
Anonymous | 8:39 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
To Slavery,
Well said. Well said.
Well said. Well said.
jan | 8:46 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
Afraid of Romney and he IS a Christian btw....in favor of a Muslim candidate.
Interesting.
Oh Please | 8:46 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
The same Mormons who cry foul when his religion is used against Romney are busy
beating up on Obama for his religious beliefs.
Anonymous | 8:49 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
Religion is the single most divisive issue in our world today. Is it any wonder
it messes up our politics? If you show me six billion people, I'll show you
as many religions.
Roger Johnston | 8:50 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
Well the title says it all to me. Religious people crying foul when someones
asks what their faith promotes and advocates is a having their cake and eating
it too. A particular faith by its very nature is dividing, "we have the
truth, everyone else is incomplete or worse." Most christian faiths are
missionary in nature, seek to point out the flaws in your beliefs so you can
convert. So fair game to ask in my eyes what a person running for office
believes. You can't tell me Mitt Romeny if asked by the President of the
LDS Church speaking in behalf of the almighty would not "follow the
prophet" as the hymn goes. Can't wait for the "laws of the
land" rebuttal to put to rest anyone's concern where his loyalty lies.
I think at some point in our development as a specis we have to let go of myth
and "santa claus" type beliefs for our own good. All this article
point out is how rediculious it is to argue which politican's verison of
"santa claus" is right and has the most evil influence. To me, its the
belief itself that the problem.
Anonymous | 8:54 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
In 2012. Mitt Romney for President of the United States and Sarah Palin for
Vice-President.
Quoting Jefferson | 9:01 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
Jefferson famously said, "An educated citizenry is the only safe repository
for democracy."
We're letting Jefferson down.
When we should be educating ourselves about the serious domestic and foreign issues before America, we instead willingly and happily distract ourselves with nonsensical and trivial religious issues.
You and I might have a disagreement about economic plans or foreign policy, but at least that debate lends itself to an analysis of data and the potential exists for one of us changing our minds in the face of compelling evidence, or at least reaching a compromise.
But with religion? Can we rationally evaluate conflicting religious beliefs? Does anyone change their mind in the face of compelling evidence? Does anyone agree to compromise rather than prolong a dispute?
Of course not.
And yet for many voters it's the only thing they care about in an election. Incredible.
Do any of you folks seriously believe that Mitt stands a chance in a country where the dominant base of the GOP is convinced that his religion is an un-Christian cult?
If any group of voters in the U.S. should have a reason to remove religion from politics, it's Utahns.
We're letting Jefferson down.
When we should be educating ourselves about the serious domestic and foreign issues before America, we instead willingly and happily distract ourselves with nonsensical and trivial religious issues.
You and I might have a disagreement about economic plans or foreign policy, but at least that debate lends itself to an analysis of data and the potential exists for one of us changing our minds in the face of compelling evidence, or at least reaching a compromise.
But with religion? Can we rationally evaluate conflicting religious beliefs? Does anyone change their mind in the face of compelling evidence? Does anyone agree to compromise rather than prolong a dispute?
Of course not.
And yet for many voters it's the only thing they care about in an election. Incredible.
Do any of you folks seriously believe that Mitt stands a chance in a country where the dominant base of the GOP is convinced that his religion is an un-Christian cult?
If any group of voters in the U.S. should have a reason to remove religion from politics, it's Utahns.
Observer | 9:05 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
Religion wouldn't divide people, if everyone actually lived their own
religion. Stopped spouting off about their religion being the only true one.
Stopped trying to sell their religion door to door or on TV. Stopped trying to
impose their religious beliefs on others. And especially if they, meaning the
religious right, stopped trying to make the United States into a Christian
theocracy. And, no one can deny the harm that religions have done throughout
history. From the inquisitions, to the slaughter of native peoples of South,
Central, and North America, to the fanatical muslims, on, and on, and on.
Anonymous | 9:07 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
If Obama is a Muslim, so what? All you Utah Mormons whined and complained
because you thought Mitt Romney was rejected because he is a Mormon. Now YOU are
all rejecting Obama because of his religious affiliations! What kind of
hypocrisy is that??!!
Anonymous | 9:16 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
Even if Obama was a Muslim (and he is not), so what? Are you saying you would
not vote for him if he were a Muslim - not because of his politics?
Done with Republicans | 9:17 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
I have more or less voted Republican most of my life because they were for
balanced bugets, minimalist government, and all the conservative values. Once
they got the power in congress what did they do? They were worse than the
previous sets of democrats. So who do I vote for? Anybody but a Democrat or
Republican. The blue dog democrats (Matheson and the like) go along with
democrat ideals then vote conservative when it is "democratically"
safe. Is my vote a wasted vote? Probably. But you have to stand on principle
sooner or later.
Henry Drummond | 9:25 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
I was frankly stunned by the comment of LDS public affairs officer Michael
Otterson. Does he realize the incredible irony of what he just said?
The Press has indeed been fixating on religious issues while Iraq, the Economy, and other vital issues were ignored until they got so bad they couldn't be ignored any longer.
I've worked as a speech writer in both political parties. It was no accident the press has been concentrating on these things. Its called "creating a wedge issue" and Mr. Otterson and other religious faiths have been playing right along.
Rather than looking at the cold hard facts in Iraq, the worsening economic landscape, the Hurricane Katrina debacle, or the disaster called "No Child Left Behind"; Karl Rove was scaring people scared to death with illegal immigration and homosexuals.
On the later issue, the Mormon Church has in fact joined right in, teaming up with such notables as Dr. James Dobson who when he is not bashing Gays is telling everyone Mitt Romney isn't fit to be President because Mormons aren't Christians. Snap out of it Mr. Otterson! Your part of the problem and you are in league with those who despise you.
The Press has indeed been fixating on religious issues while Iraq, the Economy, and other vital issues were ignored until they got so bad they couldn't be ignored any longer.
I've worked as a speech writer in both political parties. It was no accident the press has been concentrating on these things. Its called "creating a wedge issue" and Mr. Otterson and other religious faiths have been playing right along.
Rather than looking at the cold hard facts in Iraq, the worsening economic landscape, the Hurricane Katrina debacle, or the disaster called "No Child Left Behind"; Karl Rove was scaring people scared to death with illegal immigration and homosexuals.
On the later issue, the Mormon Church has in fact joined right in, teaming up with such notables as Dr. James Dobson who when he is not bashing Gays is telling everyone Mitt Romney isn't fit to be President because Mormons aren't Christians. Snap out of it Mr. Otterson! Your part of the problem and you are in league with those who despise you.
I recall | 9:28 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
I recall the JFK vs. Nixon race. I was a little boy
in American Fork and the hate literature in one of the drug stores would have even embarassed the KKK. Talk about Mormonism attacking Catholicism!!!!! wow, was that stuff awful..!!!!!
People in glass houses should never throw those rocks.
in American Fork and the hate literature in one of the drug stores would have even embarassed the KKK. Talk about Mormonism attacking Catholicism!!!!! wow, was that stuff awful..!!!!!
People in glass houses should never throw those rocks.
Bro Chuck's Rock n Roll's | 9:37 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
REAL FAMILY FIRST ALWAYS - Florida voters will choose whether to pass Amendment
2, the ballot initiative that proposes to ban same-sex marriage in the state
constitution. And much like the presidential campaign that tends to overshadow
it, the outcome of Amendment 2 remains uncertain, as observers attempt to
understand what role African-Americans inspired by the Obama candidacy might
play in the decision. Nationwide, Florida joins Arizona and California as one of
three states with constitutional amendments aiming to ban same-sex marriage on
the ballot. But unlike the proposals in those states, which seek strictly to
define marriage as a union between a man and a woman, Amendment 2 includes an
additional clause that would essentially preclude the provision of any other
type of legal recognition that approximates marriage for same-sex couples. Given
its vague wording, opponents fear the amendment could have a potentially
devastating impact on hundreds of thousands of Florida couples, gay and straight
who live in legal arrangements other than marriage. "Family First".
McCain & Palin 2008
For real change.
McCain & Palin 2008
For real change.
Saddleback Forum | 9:41 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
For those of you who think that the "Saddleback Forum" was so great.
Let me enlighten you a little. When I lived in California, I would receive
anti-mormon literature from The Saddleback Church. They even have a link on
their website that teaches their parishoners how to "deal with
Mormons". I have no respect for that church or the people who flock to it.
Obama rose to devide us here | 9:42 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
Matthews Mocks Palin For Saying God Blessed America With Natural Resources. O
beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain, For purple mountain
majesties. Above the fruited plain! America! America! God shed his grace on
thee. Has Chris Matthews heard America the Beautiful lately? What could be more
broadly acceptable than to suggest that God has blessed America with many
riches? But when Sarah Palin expressed that sentiment in a speech today, Chris
Matthews mocked her. Matthews played a clip of Palin giving a speech on energy
today in Ohio in which, discussing oil independence, VP Sarah Palin said: God
has so richly blessed our land with the supplies that we need. That set Matthews
off. CHRIS MATTHEWS: Well there you have the evangelical and the energy
together: God's blessed us with energy supplies. I mean, not that He
didn't. In any case, guess we shouldn't be surprised by
Matthews's outburst. He does, after all, support the candidate who for
twenty years sat in the pews of a preacher who said "No, no, no! Not God
bless America. God ____ America!". McCain & Palin 2008.
Sarah will Win! | 9:59 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
Where are all the Democrats?
Uh-
I guess they are trying to get out the vote.
Uh-
I guess they are trying to get out the vote.
Cora | 10:01 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
Whats wrong with being a good peace loving Muslim?
based in reality | 10:29 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
I can't believe you people let something as sacred as your religion be
kicked around during elections. As long as you insist on using religion to
decide who it is you will vote for, politicians will use it to manipulate you,
and the mud slinging at your faiths will continue.
Randy W. | 10:40 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
In balance with the teachings of brotherhood and peace, most major Christian
denominations believe in the bible so they should also believe this
"divisiveness" was predicted when Jesus taught, "Think not that I
am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword." So,
the "divisiveness" is real in some ways.
I believe this is so because such teachings force each one of us to state and stand by our convictions. It's called courage.
I believe this is so because such teachings force each one of us to state and stand by our convictions. It's called courage.
Bob 2 | 10:45 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
I think Pastor Wright has it "Wright." May God bless us as a nation
when we are good people and may he punch us in the mouth and set us back on the
road to living out our creed, when we go astray. Seems like that is that's
what's happened to the neo-con and the greedy jerk lately.
So Romney didn't make it | 10:54 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
in 2008...so you guys are already talking about 2012. Hate to break it to
you....
UtahRez | 10:59 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
So I guess what I'm reading is, if atheists are left to themselves. Peace,
harmony, and utopia will prevail. Yeah, right.
Ross | 11:06 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
I think Gordon S. better wake up and find out what's going on. Sarah Palin
is not only NOT McCain's "downfall", she kept his campaign alive.
He was going nowhere without her. She is the type of "breath of fresh
air" we need instead of politicians like Biden--corrupt insiders who helped
cause the problem in the first place.
VP are you kidding? | 11:20 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
Romney was not selected because people don't trust him. When he was
running for governor of a liberal state, he said he supported abortion (his own
words). He also supported gay marriages. As governor, his state was the first
in the USA to allow gay marriages.
When he wanted the republican nomination, he said he only then realized he was previously wrong about his view on abortion. Imagine that, a grown man who was LDS all his life and a former stake president. That means either he deliberately went against church policy on abortion or he lied when he was running for governor. Either way he is not someone who should be representing Mormons on the world's biggest stage.
When he wanted the republican nomination, he said he only then realized he was previously wrong about his view on abortion. Imagine that, a grown man who was LDS all his life and a former stake president. That means either he deliberately went against church policy on abortion or he lied when he was running for governor. Either way he is not someone who should be representing Mormons on the world's biggest stage.
non Utah LDS | 11:41 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
John McCain is a hothead gambler, and his gal pal Sarah Palin is a national
disgrace.
I'm still in shock that Utah LDS plan to vote Republican after McCain picked Sarah Palin over so many other more qualified candidates, like Condi Rice, Joe Lieberman, and of course Mitt Romney.
Here in Massachusetts, Mormons were never taunted and teased when Mitt was running for office, the "issue" of religion never came up. Even when Romney opposed gay marriage, which is otherwise popular here, nobody said he did that because he is LDS or "taking orders from SLC."
The national Republican party has become a haven for greed and bigotry, neither of which are Mormon values. Utah LDS should stand up and say No! But you won't, you'll vote McCain-Palin, and that is just plain dumb. How dumb? Palin dumb.
I'm still in shock that Utah LDS plan to vote Republican after McCain picked Sarah Palin over so many other more qualified candidates, like Condi Rice, Joe Lieberman, and of course Mitt Romney.
Here in Massachusetts, Mormons were never taunted and teased when Mitt was running for office, the "issue" of religion never came up. Even when Romney opposed gay marriage, which is otherwise popular here, nobody said he did that because he is LDS or "taking orders from SLC."
The national Republican party has become a haven for greed and bigotry, neither of which are Mormon values. Utah LDS should stand up and say No! But you won't, you'll vote McCain-Palin, and that is just plain dumb. How dumb? Palin dumb.
Anonymous | 11:44 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
Yes it is time to divide and conquer EVIL
Anonymous | 11:47 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
When a man allegedly lies about his faith (from where he comes
from...Obama's father was a muslim, ergo, Obama IS a muslim (it is their
belief); what would prevent him from continually lying about other things.
usually, one's faith is the core or center from where all other beliefs
spring from? For a man as charismatic as Obama, he still lacks experience. He
has been running for president for two years (how long has he been in the
senate?); how effective was he; what were his accomplishments; as to McCain,
he's made politics a career (as well as Obama) for the "good" of
the people (I beg to differ); they are professional politicians. Obama has
declared that America is NOT a christian nation, it is a hodgepodge of multiple
beliefs and as such laws and governing should reflect such diversity. I
disagree. As to Mitt vs the rest? I believe the GOP misled and misguided the
party as a whole into thinking that an "old" should be the standard
bearer for conservatism. He is not. He's not even a "Maverick"
He is old. His choice of Palin was not maverick but senile.
Religion is important ! | 11:48 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
In many respects, religion doesn't belong in politics. But today in light
of 9/11 and what's out in front of us, it's very important. I have no
problem with Catholics, Mormons, and Protestants. But, I do have serious issues
with the Muslim faith or any other faith like it, who's mission it is to
force and subject the rest of the world into accepting their beliefs; and, if
they don't, will not hesitate to kill them.
For you lazy, irresponsible non-thinkers who haven't done the research and who'll simply vote for Obama because he's for "change", you'd better think twice. He's a Muslim and up until his bid for the Senate, has aligned himself with nothing but trash his entire life. And, only because it looks like he'll get elected, all of a sudden his wife now "likes" America; whereas, in the beginning, she openly spoke ofr her hate for America. All of a sudden they're now Christian and their changed? Yeah, right!
Remember Fidel Castro? As a young man in Cuba, he preached "Change" and promised much. And what did he give the people? As in Castro's case, I wouldn't trust Obama under any circumstance.
For you lazy, irresponsible non-thinkers who haven't done the research and who'll simply vote for Obama because he's for "change", you'd better think twice. He's a Muslim and up until his bid for the Senate, has aligned himself with nothing but trash his entire life. And, only because it looks like he'll get elected, all of a sudden his wife now "likes" America; whereas, in the beginning, she openly spoke ofr her hate for America. All of a sudden they're now Christian and their changed? Yeah, right!
Remember Fidel Castro? As a young man in Cuba, he preached "Change" and promised much. And what did he give the people? As in Castro's case, I wouldn't trust Obama under any circumstance.
Ing | 11:52 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
This paragraph summed it up perfectly for me:
"The media, political pundits and many of the public have gorged themselves on religious issues of almost complete irrelevance while the country, deeply divided by everything from the Iraq war to how to control the price of gasoline, has spiraled toward economic meltdown."
Absolutely true.
And I think it's true--I hope it's true--that the big loser in this election is religion. If we're lucky, maybe the phenomenon of everyone using the candidate's religion as a litmus test for presidential fitness will end. Somehow I doubt it, though.
The one big problem I have with religion is that too many people use it as an excuse to turn off their own brains and hand their own moral compass over to somebody else.
Thomas Jefferson's words (thanks for bringing it up, Quoting Jefferson | 9:01) say it best: "An educated citizenry is the only safe repository for democracy."
An EDUCATED citizenry, not a religious citizenry. Being religious is fine, except that people tend hand their brain--and vote--to someone else. That's a big part of why we're in this national mess right now. The farther religion is removed from politics, the better.
"The media, political pundits and many of the public have gorged themselves on religious issues of almost complete irrelevance while the country, deeply divided by everything from the Iraq war to how to control the price of gasoline, has spiraled toward economic meltdown."
Absolutely true.
And I think it's true--I hope it's true--that the big loser in this election is religion. If we're lucky, maybe the phenomenon of everyone using the candidate's religion as a litmus test for presidential fitness will end. Somehow I doubt it, though.
The one big problem I have with religion is that too many people use it as an excuse to turn off their own brains and hand their own moral compass over to somebody else.
Thomas Jefferson's words (thanks for bringing it up, Quoting Jefferson | 9:01) say it best: "An educated citizenry is the only safe repository for democracy."
An EDUCATED citizenry, not a religious citizenry. Being religious is fine, except that people tend hand their brain--and vote--to someone else. That's a big part of why we're in this national mess right now. The farther religion is removed from politics, the better.
the truth | 11:54 a.m. Nov. 1, 2008
Ands not one mention of Obama mocking religiuos people, who cling to their
bibles...
So much for an unbiased press.
After the 9/11 attacks how can we already be willing to vote in obama who was was raised muslim, and AS AN ADULT, associates with the most radical elements in our society?
So much for an unbiased press.
After the 9/11 attacks how can we already be willing to vote in obama who was was raised muslim, and AS AN ADULT, associates with the most radical elements in our society?
To God Bless America for Slavery | 12:03 p.m. Nov. 1, 2008
I agree that people have a right to call down damnation from God if they want
(though judgement is in God's hands), but for Pete's sake of Course
God blessed us despite our slavery problem. More of the world is free today
because of our own struggle as a nation to let go of thousands of years of
slavery practices among ALL races. Freedom takes time to develop, line upon
line. God blessed us when Hiroshima and Nagasaki were bombed because WWII, at
least in the Pacific, finally ended!! Once again at the cost of thousands of
lives because Japan's Govt. tried to overthrow all of Asia and JAPAN is
ultimately responsible for their people's loss NOT the US military.
Despite the ills of our past prejudices, we as a nation have been blessed otherwise no one would ever be blessed because NO ONE is perfect. Jesus died for us and we must do all we can to recognize and overcome our weaknesses, but we can't do it all in this life. Jesus died NOT to damn us to hell but that through him the world might be saved. THAT is not evil...that is LOVE!
Despite the ills of our past prejudices, we as a nation have been blessed otherwise no one would ever be blessed because NO ONE is perfect. Jesus died for us and we must do all we can to recognize and overcome our weaknesses, but we can't do it all in this life. Jesus died NOT to damn us to hell but that through him the world might be saved. THAT is not evil...that is LOVE!
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Romney had the brains, (top of his class in both business, at BYU and law, at Harvard), leadership, at Bain Corp., the SLC Olympics, the looks, on and on and on.
Now, we will be stuck with another Jimmy Carteresque 4 years.
Romney in 2012!!!!