Hubble head

Unless they use those faulty touch screen again, Blix. I swear if I see those in my local voting location I'm going back home and not even messing with any of it.

And as for 'vitriolic crap', open your eyes people. If our country's leaders do the EXACT same things that Hitler, Stalin or other hideous Govt's did then they can and will be compared to those who also acted or felt the same way. If the shoe fits...and unfortunately sometimes it looks like it does.

The comparisons may not hold up under scrutiny but questions/accusations still must be raised and answered to ensure our leaders aren't reacting like a bunch of power crazed wacko absolutists.

Our system of checks and balances is certainly not working for us anymore, its now up to us. Be more critical. Its good for your brain.

Loren Pechtel

Of course--education is always #1 on the chopping block because it gets people to vote for tax increases.

Yet the pork is never on the chopping block.

Leviathan

This inquiry has nothing to do with the constitutionality of getting on the stump and calling for Christians to vote in a certain manner. Your complaint was that the preaching of "Christian values", was somehow, though not explained, against the laws of this nation. That is incorrect: a Christian has just as much right to politicize their opinion, and on what grounds, as does an atheist.

The rub, yes, is when they propose laws that violate the First Amendment. I see no reason to argue that a politician in Alabama, calling for Christians to "do their duty" triggers any establishment clause or free exercise issue.

Toto

I see nothing wrong with a politician calling on Christians to live up to what they believe in, and I don't see that anyone here has said that it is unconstitutional. Worthy of mockery, perhaps, because Christians just never seem to actually live by any principles. Christianity in politics has become just a tool of Republicans who really believe only in free markets.

RufusAtticus

Nope. Please cite where I said as much. Leviathan, you apparantly have completely misread what I'm saying here. I suggest that you reread all my posts in this thread and try again.

Autonemesis

You know, we could all agree that no Consitutional issues are touched upon, and still lament that appeals to superstition are used to rally people to a totally secular purpose. I mean, it's not too far-fetched to wonder seriously if a population is swayed by this kind of rhetoric, what else will it sway them to, and do we need to be at all concerned about it? Is it?

Leviathan

Many individuals in this thread have complained about callling Christians to the polls to vote their "Christian duty." Complaining about that as being an act of "embracing superstition" is one thing," of course I disagree with the branding of religion as "superstitition," but furthermore...

Implies to me that the politicians are using a "religious language" to brainwash the people into making decisoins. My position has simply been that, not only is that not unconstitutional (fine, we can all agree it isn't), but its something that human beings naturally do. We all unify ourselves around some belief system (note this forum: one of secularism), and we construct our political systems around those belief systems.

You may oppose religion, but why condemn others that think differently than you, for doing the very same thing you do?

Specifically, Rufus, I interpreted this, "Then explain to me why these politicians who run on being "True Christians" routinely introduce bills that violate constitutional protections, even after they have lost in the courts multiple times. If a politician routinely promises to violate the constitution and ignore the rule of law, how are they capable of governing effectively," as an attack of constitutionality concerning the politicians' actions. If I misinterpreted your argument, I apologize.

conkermaniac

Gimme all your money. It's your Christian duty.