Should we, the citizens of the United States, allow our elected (key word here, elected, because we choose who we want to govern) leaders to govern based upon their personal religious views or should they be forced to keep religious views out of government? I believe that everyone should have the right to worship who and what they desire as long as it doesn’t cause harm to others or themselves. However, I do not believe that our elected leaders should govern based upon their personal religious beliefs. The term “separation of church and state” is often used but seldom understood.
The United States Constitution, in the First Amendment, states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” This statement doesn’t imply that there is a complete separation of church and state, however, it does imply that our elected leaders shouldn’t place personal religious beliefs over their ability to make decisions for the country as a whole. A true leader takes into consideration the needs of everyone they lead and makes decisions that are in the best interest of their constituency.
Lately there has been a lot of talk from religious leaders (clergy and such) about our current Presidential candidates and I have to question whether it is important for them to even be discussing such things in the media. The focus should be on the qualities the candidates have to govern and lead, their ability to make decisions that are in line with the citizens they were elected to govern, and their record of actions. Selecting a candidate shouldn’t be based upon their religious beliefs!
After listening to McCain, especially after he introduced Sarah Palin and hearing her speak, and Obama and his selection of Biden I’ve made a decision to support Obama, as I believe he and Biden will work for the best interest of the citizens of the United States, work to put the focus back on the United States to improve our country’s reputation, educational system, health care concerns, and they will be able to govern without regard to specific religious beliefs.
As a gay male, a licensed Southern Baptist preacher, a Feng Shui consultant, a rodeo cowboy, a person with AIDS, a concerned citizen, and any of the many “labels” that society needs to place upon people, I find myself in a unique place to make my decisions based upon an understanding and experience of many aspects of life and spiritual development. Yes, I am all of the above and much more. I am concerned about why we, the citizens of the United States, have not demanded that our elected leaders be held more accountable and forced to govern based upon our desires, not upon corporate interests, religious beliefs, or personal interests.
It’s time the United States stopped trying to be the world police, stop the ridiculous “war on terror” (there is now reason for this other than for President Bush’s desire to obtain access to Iraq’s oil and to create fear so he could increase his own power as a president), begin to focus on the needs of our own country, and begin to develop ways of improving our own lives. I’m still surprised that the citizens of the United States haven’t demanded the immediate resignation of President Bush, especially after a rigged election and the number of lies he has presented in order to accomplish the desire of a specific few.
Why do you, yes you, sleep walk through life? Why are you not doing something and speaking your mind about the issues that concern you and our country? Why aren’t you opening your heart to others and learning to live your life with openness, love, acceptance, and action?
I’ve been doing some research and here are some of the sources that have helped me to make my decision about who to elect in 2008:
I’m now very interested in supporting the separation of church and state and have begun my involvement with Americans United for Separation of Church and State.
Obama, about him, from Wikipedia.com
Obama and his Congressional Voting Record, from the Washington Post
Obama and his Congressional Voting Record, from Project Vote Smart
Biden, about him, from Wikipedia.com
Biden and his Congressional Voting Record, from Project Vote Smart
Biden and his Congressional Voting Record, from the Washington Post
McCain, about him, from Wikipedia.com
McCain and his Congressional Voting Record, from the Washington Post
McCain and his Congressional Voting Record, from Project Vote Smart
Sarah Palin, about her from Wikipedia.com
Sarah Palin’s fitness for office, from The Huffington Post
Sarah Palin’s anti-gay stance, from Gay.com
Sarah Palin and how she has governed Alaska, from the Bilerico Project
Sarah Palin and her governing record, from Project Vote Smart
I encourage everyone to do the research, to ask questions, and to vote based upon who has the best ability to govern for our interests and concerns, not their personal beliefs, and to actually vote. It’s time we held our elected leaders accountable, so what are you doing to do so?
Are you actively supporting a candidate?
Are you doing the research to gain insight and understanding into the candidates?
There are many resources available, including www.youtube.com, to find information about the candidates. Watch the videos and notice how they speak, watch their eyes, body language, and really listen to what they are saying.
