Dems Try to Close "God Gap"
Friday August 22, 2008
With the Democratic National Convention right around the corner, party members are hoping to show that they really are a party of faith and values, rather than a bunch of tree-hugging heathens, which is apparently the message that their opponents have been sending out. However, in their effort to court more conservative voters, there's a concern that the Democrats might slight ride into the middle of that whole church-vs-state thing that has made them so appealing to many voters in the past.
While presidential front-runners John McCain and Barack Obama are consistently playing the Who Would Jesus Vote For game, the Anti Defamation League and other groups are hoping the Democratic party will back off on the faith-pimping. ADL director Abraham Foxman said the convention was "excessive," when asked about the plethora of rabbis on hand at the DNC to represent all the varying flavors of Judaism. The convention also includes "faith caucuses" and a really big interfaith gathering of some sort.
There has been a growing concern lately that the "faith focus" of campaign ads and religious-themed chats bring the election closer and closer to "establishing a religious test for those seeking higher office." Not too long ago, Christian mega-preacher Rick Warren sat down for individual chats with McCain and Obama at the Saddleback Civil Forum on the Presidency. Both candidates were asked about where they stood on issues important to evangelical Christians. Rev. Barry Lynn of Americans United for Separation of Church and State says, “Campaign 2008 is starting to feel like a Sunday school Bible drill... we're electing a president, not a national pastor."
I'm wondering if we'll get a chance to see anyone sit down and inteview McCain or Obama on issues of importance to those of us registered voters who aren't Christian.
While presidential front-runners John McCain and Barack Obama are consistently playing the Who Would Jesus Vote For game, the Anti Defamation League and other groups are hoping the Democratic party will back off on the faith-pimping. ADL director Abraham Foxman said the convention was "excessive," when asked about the plethora of rabbis on hand at the DNC to represent all the varying flavors of Judaism. The convention also includes "faith caucuses" and a really big interfaith gathering of some sort.
There has been a growing concern lately that the "faith focus" of campaign ads and religious-themed chats bring the election closer and closer to "establishing a religious test for those seeking higher office." Not too long ago, Christian mega-preacher Rick Warren sat down for individual chats with McCain and Obama at the Saddleback Civil Forum on the Presidency. Both candidates were asked about where they stood on issues important to evangelical Christians. Rev. Barry Lynn of Americans United for Separation of Church and State says, “Campaign 2008 is starting to feel like a Sunday school Bible drill... we're electing a president, not a national pastor."
I'm wondering if we'll get a chance to see anyone sit down and inteview McCain or Obama on issues of importance to those of us registered voters who aren't Christian.
Comments
I really wish the separation of church and state was the norm rather than the exception when it came to these politics. Makes me sick and not very proud to be an American. I’ve gotten kind of use to politicians not saying anything of substance. Even when they take office they never form a solid opinion. The President is just a bobble head as I’m concerned.
Forwarded with permission.. …
I thought you would appreciate knowing about this bit of news. Catherine, Misha and Laura are three women in the Temple of Isis Los Angeles.
Peace and Blessings for a Harvest of Leadership that will bring us forward into a positive, sustainable, more loving future, Letecia
From Catherine Wright - Iseum of Isis Alethea…
If you watched Obama’s speech and the close of the convention and you were not watching it on CSPAN you would have missed the “benediction” –each day having ended with a Christian prayer. but this evangelical pastor paused before completing and asked that all present, on the count of three, end the prayer in the words of their own tradition or faith. As it happens, Misha and the pagan participants had launched a barrage of calls to the office in charge of benedictions, asking for inclusiveness, stating that they were pagan, and only one of many religious traditions present. So this is one small victory.
I jumped up in my living room to yell Blessed Be, So mote it be, Amah Iset, then texted Misha, who said she responded beannachd leat(sp.) aho!–and Blessed Be!. She then asked me to post this quiet pagan progress moment to TOILA, with the wish that Laura would relay this to FOI and any of you to your many pagan list connections who would rejoice in small joys (BB Bunni Hotep!).
Catherine (via Laura)
Wow! Tooo Coool! It’s about time that the term inclusive really meant inclusive. I know that Obama is sucking up to the Christian Right, but it’s good to know that the Democratic party is listening to other faiths as well.
I don’t say any of this to offend but to hopefully open your hearts to another view. There should never be a reason not to be proud to be an American. We should encourage all walks of faith to realize that though we may not agree with their views we are still considerate of the ways of others. Not to vote is a mistake. As leaders of such a great way of life we have to voice our concerns in a way that earns respect from others. Let us remember that if a Republican gets into office our judicial system will be SO conservative that any hope of separation of church will be a thing of the past. Obama has a good plan and a kind heart. He is passionate about his religion but understands that everyone has the right to believe in whatever makes them feel good about themselves and others. We are at a turning point and it is of the utmost importance to vote this year. We cannot afford another four years of the same if we want to move ahead in this global world and as Mother Earth Healers Please consider the alternatives to not voting or for voting for McCain.
Peace and good will
Toria
I watched on c-span too. I am also glad for the benediction on Wednesday, as the two reverends invoked the God of various different things like peace etc instead of the Christian Father God. I thought wow, I can go with that.
Lets kick the republicans out of the white house and keep them out people!
You know I said that about Democrats when Bush was first running for the all powerful job of trying to regulate this country, now I just wish we could get one honest person that isn’t backed by so much money. I mean Abe Lincoln wasn’t rich, George Washington wasn’t rich, just to name a couple. Why in the world are we now only voting for the rich people? They don’t have us ordinary people in their minds eye to help, they will more then likely help other rich people and the rest of us are out of luck as usual. Me I’m a Republican but right now I’d vote for Donald Ducky, Mickey Mouse or Winnie the Pooh.
Blessed Be
Its extremely frustrating that the separation of church and state hardly ever comes into play in politics. Its always about sucking up to the Christians. I will cry happy tears the day we have a Jewish or Islamic or Taoist in office, but that won’t happen for years if ever. Right now, Obama is the only one who seems like he’ll do more to protect my right to be a witch and a pagan, and that’s still not a whole lot. I agree that we need more candidates that aren’t being flooded with money; soon they’ll be wearing a jumpsuit with sponsor stickers from McDonald’s and Pepsi.