religion in politics

       There is no problem concerning religion that I can see.  We have freedom of religion in the United States,  which would include Presidential candidates.  People who do not want to vote for a candidate because of religious reasons  are  free to vote for someone else.

       The problem is with political parties and their system of primary elections.  If people are only allowed to vote for two major party candidates, all others being excluded from the ballot, then we have a condition where the media, education institutions, government, etc., are trying to select candidates who conform to "political correctness".

        The remedy for this is, of course, independent candidates for office, which is why in recent years the parties have been legislating nomination petition signature requirements that put candidacy out of reach for independent voters.  For example, in Arizona, the state where I live, an independent candidate has to get about 15,000 signatures, while a major party candidate has to get between three and four thousand to appear on the ballot.   This strangle-hold will have to eventually be broken by a write-in candidate.

Robert B. Winn

by Robert Winn (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 28 comments) on Sunday, October 28, 2007 at 9:52:49 AM
 

religion in politics

I for one am sick and tired of this kind of posturing that you fine in this kind of presidential debate. If everyone ask themselves what is the significant of voting for someone who uses his or her religion to connect to voters without realizing that maybe they are only doing it to get votes. We are already have a so call christian president in office, but yet no one can tell me what he has done that represented anything that had to do with christianity. Dont people realize that religion and politics dont mix. religion will always get burned because money and business has always trump over religion. There is the article VI that says no one has to have a religious belief or belong to any religon to hold politics office but it is still being used aas a litmus test. Which I wonder how many good candidates could we have if it wasnt such a big issue. How many of them are being lefted out because they do not adhere to any religion?  A candidates idea doesnt come from what religion he practices but his or her vision and common sense abilities is where they get their ideas.  So I would like to know how many times will this country has to get burned in order to understand that religion should also be used in its proper place and not to leave certain members of our society out.

by chip90043 (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 60 comments) on Sunday, October 28, 2007 at 11:08:31 AM
 

The WHOLE picture of a religion

This must be the twentieth article I've read asking the exact same question: Will America accept a Mormon candidate for president despite Mormonism's 'oddities?' There is absolutely nothing new here, and this column is indicative of a pervasive attiude in the media that they just won't let go: That Mormonism is strictly a liability.

When will journalists start doing their jobs, and start doing in-depth analysis from ALL perspectives? Mormonism is not just a liability. It strengthens Romney's candidacy when people actually examine the Mormon faith in its entirety.

Mormons are well-known for their integrity, work ethic, and responsibility. Many institutions and businesses, particularly those who have located to Utah, seek-out Mormon people because their work values and personal integrity are highly valued. Mormons who have served as missionaries (including Romney) have an understanding of and appreciation for cultural differences, and oftentimes second language skills. Mormons support self reliance, and have a singular welfare program that conservatives from Ronald Reagan to Dr. Laura have marvelled at. A WELFARE PROGRAM!!! At a time where everyone treats family values as a popular buzzword, Mormons are among the groups in the nation (and world) who actually live it. Finally, the vast majority of Mormons live the values of Christianity: Selfless service, kindness, compassion, love for one's neighbor and one's enemy, faith in God. There is so much more to the Mormon faith than a brief history of plural marriage. Though faith is the motivator, these qualities also make Mormons good neighbors, good citizens and good leaders.

Disclosure: Yes, I am a Mormon. I do not write the above to boast. Mormonism isn't what it is because of me. I am a Mormon because of what Mormonism is. I admire my family, friends and leaders in the Mormon faith too much to sit by and let them and their faith be dismissed by the press as mere oddities for whom Mitt Romney should apologize.

Religion matters ... there is no getting around it. Though there is no official test, each voter is allowed to choose based on whatever criteria he or she likes. Voters who wish to be fair and honest with themselves and others will examine how Romney's faith and values have prepared him to do the job and lead the nation. Some will use prejudices to vote, while others will use sincerity and reason.

The question is: When will those in the media drop their own prejudices, premature conclusions and agendas, and stop 'Photoshopping' (editing) Mormonism's clear and obvious strengths out of the picture?

by Quin (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 1 comments) on Sunday, October 28, 2007 at 11:36:06 AM