More Politics
I am slightly mollified by this: Lawsuit Challenging Proposition 8 Filed. My husband suggested this would happen, and of course he was right. I am relieved to see this will be fought. I don’t see how this could possibly be upheld as constitutional – but then again, crazier things have happened in this country.
From my watching and participating in debates on the issue of same-sex marriage it does appear to me that to find a solution the country is going to have to make the separation between church and state much more clear: we’re going to define the civil government-upheld union under one name, and the religious union under another. There are always exceptions, but I feel like a lot of people who are okay with the idea of equal *rights* are unable to give up their religious concept of the term marriage.
::
I am happy that an African American has attained the high office of President (-Elect). But the question on my mind is – would America elect an Atheist?
I see the things said during campaigns, like the attack by Elizabeth Dole’s Senatorial campaign in North Carolina saying that Kay Hagan was Godless. Well, first of all it wasn’t true – Hagan is a Christian. But, like Colin Powel said about the allegation that Obama is a Muslim (which is also very untrue): So what if he is? Are Athiests and Muslims not allowed to be elected in this country? Are other religions still so unaccepted that you have to belong to the “correct” religion to be elected to office?
It’s really quite offensive to me, being a very open Atheist. I really take offense to the implication that I am less of a person because I do not share a religion with someone… that I am not capable of leadership. I don’t have to tell you what kind of person I am – I expect my actions to stand that test. I want people – especially the leaders of our country – to be judged based on how they treat others, how they conduct themselves, what they say and do… not what religion they subscribe to.
I try very hard to live that in my daily life. I have friends of many religions. I don’t care what you call yourself. I don’t care what God you are faithful to. If you treat me with respect, if you follow through on what you say, if you live with compassion, then that is all I need to know.
I wish more people believed the same.
::
Alaska might re-elect their current Senator who has been convicted in federal court on seven counts of corruption. This is just beyond my comprehension. I can understand if he had been indicted, but no verdict yet. I’m willing to suspend judgement for a while. But he was CONVICTED! In federal court! WTF!
::
But despite the shadows I still remain so very excited. I really want to see what Obama can do for this country. Watching him speak just makes me so proud, so hopeful. It’s wonderful.
I know many people just wanted the election over with so they can stop hearing about it. I actually think I’m a little disappointed that it’s over. I really enjoyed all the politics – that’s something I never thought I’d say.
I have absolutely no interest in actually becoming a politician, LOL. But I think I’d like to follow politics and I really want to educate myself much further on the American system. These last few months have been somewhat of a crash course for me. I currently don’t have any options for classes I could take at the college in US History, but thankfully my husband has dug up his old textbook, American Government In Action. I guess I know what I’ll be reading!
I feel a little woken up by all of this. Energised. This has given me something to invest myself into, something that really has nothing to do with babies or Devin. I’m enjoying myself, and that’s something worthwhile.
Being what I term an agnostic Pagan, I am sick to death of religion playing a huge part in politics. I don’t think an elected leader should be leading anyone in prayer in a public manner. It smacks too much of theocracy to me. I wonder what evangelical Christians would think about the fact that they were the largest proponents of the separation of church and state during the 19th century? They were in the minority, and feared the tyranny of the majority.
I remember a discussion that you and I had with EmeraldRose on my blog a couple of years ago, about separating religion from marriage. :) It’s a very real thing in the Netherlands. Even the UK has things like civil partnerships; it’s been proven to work really well. I really hope that the US will see the light regarding this issue one day.
Separating church from government is something I advocate heavily anyway. I’m very unhappy with the current christian government in the Netherlands. Not because they’re christian, but because they’re very conservative and they’re trying to undo everything we’ve fought so hard for in the Netherlands (like euthanasia & gay marriage & tolerance policy on soft drugs) and what has been working so well so far. :S
I don’t think the premise is true that America CAN’T elect an atheist/muslim, etc. but simply that right now it’s unrealistic to think it WOULD. I’m teetering on the bring of atheism too so I understand your perspective clearly and obviously don’t associate any negative judgement against it- whatever my beliefs are. But I don’t find it offensive that America is unlikely to vote in a non-Christian right now. Because at the end of the day, we are a democracy, and the majority voice will rule. There may come a day (hopefully will) where our electorate is religion-blind, but I don’t see that happening any time soon. We are founded on the concept of separation of church and state, but a massive majority of people who have become Americans through the years have come to this country to actually pursue religious freedom! Meaning that they have a very strongly held religious belief. Which essentially translates to a State where religion is a very, very strongly held belief and is part of the core constitution of the majority of Americans. Since people elect politicians who share their ideals and values (among other things), it is very unlikely in my opinion that this electorate will be religion-blind any time soon.
Anyway, my point is simply that we have shown in this election that we truly are a democracy- that the peoples’ will is what is ultimately the most powerful thing in this country. And I stand by our electorate’s right to want a Christian in office b/c its freedom of expression in my opinion. It’s sort of like flag burning or the KKK- detestable as they may be, my pride in the fact that they are allowed in this country vastly outshadows my anger that there are people here who have such sentiments.
Anyway, my two cents :-)
I’ve been following your story and am so very excited and hopeful for you about your December cycle!
People need to pull their heads out of their bums and realize despite how they may personally feel about homosexuality, this is a civil rights issue. They should not impose their personal bias on this.
Some still believe you should not marry outside your own race or religion, this is the same sort of thing.
As long as it’s two consenting adults, it’s their business not mine. I’ve known gay couples that have been together for years upon years, while for example I have an uncle has 4 or 5 marriages under his belt.
To me divorce is more of a threat to the institution of marriage than Gay marriage… how is two people want to make that sort of commitment to one another an erosion?
With regard to Senator Stevens, the only reason he was re-elected is because once he goes to prison, Gov. Palin will be able to fill is position with another Republican. It’s not because people like him.
I doubt an atheist will be elected to a high government office any time soon.
Nat, I agree with you on everything you wrote about!! :) I love politics, but I think there will still be plenty to talk about.
I also can’t see this country electing an atheist, unfortunately.
And don’t get me started about Prop 8. I’m glad that lawsuit was filed. I am so disappointed in my state.
I don’t think that religion makes a person a better or worse leader. I think that for me personally it’s the reassurance that in their private life they are seeking the same God for guidance that I do. Nothing more or less. Just a personal preference but I’ve seen some Christians who have been horrible leaders, so that doesn’t make them a better or worse leader necessarily (i.e., Carter).
I have become to believe that being a Christian is becoming harder; however, I would agree an atheist would be even tougher… you’re right.
I wouldn’t mind civil unions… just wouldn’t want to force a church to marry a couple because of legislation… etc… regardless if gay or not.
But you know we respect one another… I was beginning to think that Christians aren’t so popular, but I see what you mean about an atheist being elected.