Freethought & Rationalism Archive

04-22-2002, 08:05 AM

Quote:

The president's most recent speech on his plan to give government money to religious charities was to have been only eight minutes long, delivered from note cards. Instead, George W. Bush set aside his talking points and for 20 minutes spoke the language of faith.

"Government can write checks, but it can't put hope in people's hearts, or a sense of purpose in people's lives," Mr. Bush said to an array of religious and community leaders at the White House on April 11. "That is done by people who have heard a call and who act on faith and are willing to share in that faith. And I'm not talking about a particular religion — I'm talking about all religions under the Almighty God."

<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2002/04/22/national/22LETT.html" target="_blank">Full article at NY Times (you have to register but it's free)</a>

Our beloved president seems to be unaware of the fact that not all religions worship or believe in his "almighty god."

What an idiot.

[ April 22, 2002: Message edited by: atheist_in_foxhole ]

Jewel · 04-22-2002, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by atheist_in_foxhole:

Our beloved president seems to be unaware of the fact that not all religions worship or believe in his "almighty god."

Yep. We'll see how long it takes for him to get aware and how he reacts when Wiccan or Satanist or any other non major religious group applies for funding. I'll be willing to bet we'll see his 'compationate conservativism' in full technacolor then...

Skepticwithachainsaw · 04-22-2002, 08:57 AM

Yes, its interesting how they say how they're always saying "in God we Trust" and we are "one nation under God".

However when it actually comes to dealing with a threat they turn to science and technology rather than prayers...

Toto · 04-22-2002, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Friends and clerics close to Mr. Bush have long said that his faith is not a political ploy. . .

But they also acknowledge the powerful effect of his evangelical language on his political base. "George W. Bush has played a critical role in the evolution of the Republican Party's conservative message because he put a smiling and compassionate face on a message that all too often in the past took the form of a finger of judgment pointed at others," said Ralph Reed, former director of the Christian Coalition and now chairman of the Georgia Republican Party, who said that Mr. Bush's language opens some doors into Hispanic and black churches as well.

So there you have it - soft selling conservativism to people who actually have Democratic positions, by manipulating their religious feelings.

Americans are much more comfortable with politicians who use faith as a political ploy. It's when they actually start believing the nonsense that we start to worry.

Quote:

At one point during the 2000 presidential campaign, Mr. Bush told a group of men at a religion-based rehabilitation center in Iowa: "I'm on a walk, just like you are. And it's a never-ending walk, as far as I'm concerned."

If you walk in a circle, your walk can be never-ending.

Berenger Sauniere · 04-22-2002, 10:24 AM

Bush said Almighty GOD, but he's really thinking Almighty GOP!

The Resistance · 04-22-2002, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skepticwithachainsaw:

However when it actually comes to dealing with a threat they turn to science and technology rather than prayers...

If we're lucky.

not brainwashed · 04-25-2002, 06:49 PM

Do you think these Presidential candidates suddenly resume their church going activities when they are facing an election? I bet there has never been a President who would dare not go to church on Sundays whether he believes or not.

In Australia we have had a Governor General who admitted being an Athiest. Good on him I say.

KeithHarwood · 04-25-2002, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by not brainwashed:

In Australia we have had a Governor General who admitted being an Athiest. Good on him I say.

We've had a Prime Minister who was an atheist as well.

Paul Lineham: So, Prime Minister, you don't believe in God.

Max Gilles (as Bob Hawke): That's right Paul, but I have it on good authority that God believes in me.

It's no big issue. The present PM, who goes to church, appointed a bishop as GG which caused a bit of a stir, but the real problem was that it turns out he was pretty incompetent as a bishop, so why do we want him as GG.

Strelnieks · 04-26-2002, 11:05 AM

Here in Germany, the oath of office for government ministers includes an optional "so help me God". After the last election a left-wing coalition took power and several ministers left off the God part. There were a few short articles in the papers noting the event, but no disputes or real anger. The state finances the church, but politicians don't have to talk the God-talk.

Strel

Gar · 05-02-2002, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skepticwithachainsaw:
Yes, its interesting how they say how they're always saying "in God we Trust" and we are "one nation under God".

However when it actually comes to dealing with a threat they turn to science and technology rather than prayers...

Emily Dickenson:

" 'Faith' is a fine invention
when a man can see
but microscopes are prudent
in an emergency "

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04-22-2002, 08:57 AM	#3
Skepticwithachainsaw Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: In your Imagination Posts: 69	Yes, its interesting how they say how they're always saying "in God we Trust" and we are "one nation under God". However when it actually comes to dealing with a threat they turn to science and technology rather than prayers...

04-22-2002, 10:24 AM	#5
Berenger Sauniere Regular Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: et in Arcadia ego... Posts: 406	Bush said Almighty GOD, but he's really thinking Almighty GOP!

04-25-2002, 06:49 PM	#7
not brainwashed Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Sydney Posts: 5	Do you think these Presidential candidates suddenly resume their church going activities when they are facing an election? I bet there has never been a President who would dare not go to church on Sundays whether he believes or not. In Australia we have had a Governor General who admitted being an Athiest. Good on him I say.

04-26-2002, 11:05 AM	#9
Strelnieks Regular Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Germany Posts: 295	Here in Germany, the oath of office for government ministers includes an optional "so help me God". After the last election a left-wing coalition took power and several ministers left off the God part. There were a few short articles in the papers noting the event, but no disputes or real anger. The state finances the church, but politicians don't have to talk the God-talk. Strel

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