TIME Sez Democrats Found God

[LiddyRules]

http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1642649,00.html

Not posting the whole story but this is good news for those of us who don't want religion in our politics. For those of us who thinks that summoning Jesus during every debate, about every issue is wonderful for our political progression. So those lovely Democrats who learn from the Republicans a few cycles after Republican Perfection have no made this a two party Jesus lovin' system. Hopefully now the Republicans will change and not do the entire God thing since it's become passe.

And I know, just because they say Jesus doesn't mean they'll turn this into a theocracy but it's fucking bullshit to keep pulling this ridiculous religion card.

[Plunkies]

So where was he?

[Vyce]

http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1642649,00.html

Not posting the whole story but this is good news for those of us who don't want religion in our politics. For those of us who thinks that summoning Jesus during every debate, about every issue is wonderful for our political progression. So those lovely Democrats who learn from the Republicans a few cycles after Republican Perfection have no made this a two party Jesus lovin' system. Hopefully now the Republicans will change and not do the entire God thing since it's become passe.

And I know, just because they say Jesus doesn't mean they'll turn this into a theocracy but it's fucking bullshit to keep pulling this ridiculous religion card.


Here's where I really don't buy the whole "too much religion now in politics" argument. People tried to claim that George W. Bush was some sort of theocratic idealogue. And has he really done shit for the Religious Right? I wouldn't say he's probably done too much other than a few token things to make them happy.

No modern politician REALLY seems to give much a shit about religion, except to pander for votes. Christians are basically to the Republicans what the blacks are to the Democrats, i.e. a specific group of voters you can shamelessly pander to for votes, and nfucking ignore and take advantage of once the election's over. All this shit is lip service.

[patbattlefield]

So where was he?

Giving Bush a blowjob in the Oval Office.

[SKEPTIC]

http://img.timeinc.net/time/daily/2007/0707/wcross_0723.jpg

[weakside]

This is very disappointing. I don't mind people being religious or believing in God, its none of my business what you believe in. But when decisions are made in our government based on it or the financial backing of the Religious Right then we are going down a bad road.

[abudabit]

I don't like how every candidate feels the need to pander to religious folks.

[weakside]

Here's where I really don't buy the whole "too much religion now in politics" argument. People tried to claim that George W. Bush was some sort of theocratic idealogue. And has he really done shit for the Religious Right?

I would say he has.

There have been many decisions he’s made for the government that has been based on religion, thus placating to the Religious Right:

Justification for the war:

"Freedom is on the march in this world. I believe everybody in the Middle East desires to live in freedom. I believe women in the Middle East want to live in a free society. I believe mothers and fathers want to raise their children in a free and peaceful world. I believe all these things, because freedom is not America's gift to the world, freedom is the almighty God's gift to each man and woman in this world."
--Speech in Pennsylvania, October 22, 2004


"I believe that God has planted in every human heart the desire to live in freedom. And even when that desire is crushed by tyranny for decades, it will rise again."
--State of the Union Address, January 20, 2004


"The cause we serve is right, because it is the cause of all mankind. The momentum of freedom in our world is unmistakable--and it is not carried forward by our power alone. We can trust in that greater power who guides the unfolding of the years. And in all that is to come, we can know that His purposes are just and true."
--State of the Union Address, January 20, 2004


Justification for the Abu Ghraib:

"Americans do not presume to equate God's purposes with any purpose of our own...."[Prayer] teaches us to trust, to accept that God's plan unfolds in his time, not our own."
--Apology for Abu Ghraib prison scandal, as quoted in the Washington Post, May 7, 2004


Justification for not separating church from state by putting only judges that promote his religious ideologies:

"I wouldn't pick a judge who said that the Pledge of Allegiance couldn't be said in a school because it had the words 'under God'' in it. I think that's an example of a judge allowing personal opinion to enter into the decision-making process, as opposed to strict interpretation of the Constitution."
--Second Presidential Debate, St. Louis, October 8, 2004


"We need common-sense judges who understand our rights were derived from God,"
--As quoted in ""Understanding the President and his God"


Justification for being prejudicial against homosexuals:

"Our nation must defend the sanctity of marriage. The outcome of this debate is important--and so is the way we conduct it. The same moral tradition that defines marriage also teaches that each individual has dignity and value in God's sight."
--State of the Union Address, January 20, 2004


Justifying religion in our government in general:

"I'm telling America we need to not discriminate against faith-based programs. We need to welcome them so our society is more wholesome, more welcoming, and more hopeful for every single citizen."
--Speech in Washington D.C., June 1, 2004


"It is the government's strong desire to empower this fabric, this social fabric of our society where faith-based programs large and small feel empowered, encouraged, and welcomed into changing lives."
--Speech in Washington D.C., June 1, 2004

[LiddyRules]

I don't like how every candidate feels the need to pander to religious folks. Exactly. I'm not saying every candidate will be doing Jesus' bidding but that they have to pander to these fucking religious people and how atheists are practically shunned from politics is what's most sickening to me.

[martianvirus]

I don't mind politicians being religious, if it's real. I don't like these fake ones. It's just wrong to run as something that you are not.

[jackjack]

I would say he has.

There have been many decisions he’s made for the government that has been based on religion, thus placating to the Religious Right:



I would like to know if he really believes he is doing the things the invisible man in the sky wants, or if he is just figures it's a good way to explain it to idiots.

[abudabit]

I would like to know if he really believes he is doing the things the invisible man in the sky wants, or if he is just figures it's a good way to explain it to idiots.

I think just like with Hillary / Obama / Edwards / most other candidates, it's mostly a marketing ploy. Haven't heard Guiliani pull that card yet this race, but I expect it soon.

[d0uche_n0zzle]

You mean Mr. "I've been married three times" Catholic who is pro-choice is full of shit?

[Treat_Yourself]

Here's where I really don't buy the whole "too much religion now in politics" argument. People tried to claim that George W. Bush was some sort of theocratic idealogue. And has he really done shit for the Religious Right? I wouldn't say he's probably done too much other than a few token things to make them happy.

No modern politician REALLY seems to give much a shit about religion, except to pander for votes. Christians are basically to the Republicans what the blacks are to the Democrats, i.e. a specific group of voters you can shamelessly pander to for votes, and nfucking ignore and take advantage of once the election's over. All this shit is lip service.


He's replaced two supreme court justices with new justices who are more likely to vote against abortion rights and in favor of advertizing religion in public buildings, on public lands and with tax money and he's funneled tax money into "faith based initiatives" that can legally use tax money while discriminating on who they'll hire based on religion.

I'd say he's paid his debt to the religious right that got him elected and screwed the country a little harder in the process.

[Vyce]

Please. Abortion rights are never going to be taken away. All you've ever get in that regard is, MAYBE, certain limitations allowed, such as a ban on partial-birth abortions or parental notification for minors, where **** or incest isn't alleged.

Which would all be, IMO, perfectly reasonable restrictions on abortion. And I'm Pro-Choice.

Abortion is THE biggest scare-tactic issue that liberals put forth. It falls under the same category as a constitutional amendment against gay marriage - sure, conservatives want it to happen, but it's just NEVER going to work out that way.

[weakside]

Please. Abortion rights are never going to be taken away.

Never say never. All it takes is a conservative president and a couple of Supreme Court justices taking a dirt nap. (Yes, I realize it takes more than that but my point is it is not beyond comprehension.)

Don't get me wrong, I agree that it is unlikely as well. I say this because despite public perception I don't think Abortion Rights or Marriage Laws are even conservative issues. I believe they are religious issues pushed by the Religious Right onto conservatives. But again, it could very well happen someday.

[Schmed]

I would say he has.

There have been many decisions he’s made for the government that has been based on religion, thus placating to the Religious Right:

Justification for the war:

"Freedom is on the march in this world. I believe everybody in the Middle East desires to live in freedom. I believe women in the Middle East want to live in a free society. I believe mothers and fathers want to raise their children in a free and peaceful world. I believe all these things, because freedom is not America's gift to the world, freedom is the almighty God's gift to each man and woman in this world."
--Speech in Pennsylvania, October 22, 2004


"I believe that God has planted in every human heart the desire to live in freedom. And even when that desire is crushed by tyranny for decades, it will rise again."
--State of the Union Address, January 20, 2004


"The cause we serve is right, because it is the cause of all mankind. The momentum of freedom in our world is unmistakable--and it is not carried forward by our power alone. We can trust in that greater power who guides the unfolding of the years. And in all that is to come, we can know that His purposes are just and true."
--State of the Union Address, January 20, 2004


Justification for the Abu Ghraib:

"Americans do not presume to equate God's purposes with any purpose of our own...."[Prayer] teaches us to trust, to accept that God's plan unfolds in his time, not our own."
--Apology for Abu Ghraib prison scandal, as quoted in the Washington Post, May 7, 2004


Justification for not separating church from state by putting only judges that promote his religious ideologies:

"I wouldn't pick a judge who said that the Pledge of Allegiance couldn't be said in a school because it had the words 'under God'' in it. I think that's an example of a judge allowing personal opinion to enter into the decision-making process, as opposed to strict interpretation of the Constitution."
--Second Presidential Debate, St. Louis, October 8, 2004


"We need common-sense judges who understand our rights were derived from God,"
--As quoted in ""Understanding the President and his God"


Justification for being prejudicial against homosexuals:

"Our nation must defend the sanctity of marriage. The outcome of this debate is important--and so is the way we conduct it. The same moral tradition that defines marriage also teaches that each individual has dignity and value in God's sight."
--State of the Union Address, January 20, 2004


Justifying religion in our government in general:

"I'm telling America we need to not discriminate against faith-based programs. We need to welcome them so our society is more wholesome, more welcoming, and more hopeful for every single citizen."
--Speech in Washington D.C., June 1, 2004


"It is the government's strong desire to empower this fabric, this social fabric of our society where faith-based programs large and small feel empowered, encouraged, and welcomed into changing lives."
--Speech in Washington D.C., June 1, 2004

Remove "In God We Trust" from our currency, Maannn!

[NuttyJim]

And God told them all to give themselves a pay raise and to fuck over the common hard working joe just trying to get along and live.

[Sunsetspawn]

I don't mind politicians being religious, if it's real. I don't like these fake ones. It's just wrong to run as something that you are not.

Well, the US is about 15% atheist, and that's just people who'll admit it. The real number is probably about 25%. Also, the higher your IQ the more likely you don't believe in god. Most politicians are smarter than your average american, so let's assume (conservatively) that about 35% are probably atheists. Okay, so how many are publicly atheist?

Well, shit, I can't find the percentage of total politicians, however, I did find the numbers in the legislative branch.
It's less than .2%.

http://www.watchblog.com/democrats/archives/005181.html

The only explaination is dishonesty. But you know what, it's not just an american thing, it's a human thing. And this is just one of a myriad of reasons that I'm eagerly anticipating an ELE.

[Treat_Yourself]

Please. Abortion rights are never going to be taken away. All you've ever get in that regard is, MAYBE, certain limitations allowed, such as a ban on partial-birth abortions or parental notification for minors, where **** or incest isn't alleged.

Which would all be, IMO, perfectly reasonable restrictions on abortion. And I'm Pro-Choice.

Abortion is THE biggest scare-tactic issue that liberals put forth. It falls under the same category as a constitutional amendment against gay marriage - sure, conservatives want it to happen, but it's just NEVER going to work out that way.
Even if you ignore the abortion rights thing there was more to my post. Bush has clearly allowed religion to corrupt government. There are more examples besides those I've mentioned in my previous post. For example, look at who he appointed to the FDA's advisory comittee.

David Hager, appointed by Bush to the FDA’s Advisory Committee for Reproductive Health Drugs, “who refuses to prescribe contraceptives to unmarried women (and believes the Bible is an antidote for premenstrual syndrome),” http://www.dissidentvoice.org/Aug04/Giroux0804.htm

Instead of appointing people based on their qualifications he appoints people based on their religious zealotry.