I worry Sarah Palin is going to force her faith on the American people.
She has her own "pastorgate" brewing. Just as Barack Obama was forced to answer questions about Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Palin should have to answer questions about controversial statements made in her current and former church.
On Aug. 17 of this year, Palin was in the pews at the Wasilla Bible Church, when a visiting speaker, who has been widely criticized by the Anti-Defamation League, made controversial statements about Jews.
David Brickner, the founder of Jews for Jesus, which aims to convert Jews to Christianity, told congregants that terrorist attacks on Israel were God's "judgment" of Jews who haven't embraced Christianity.
The pastor of her former church, Assembly of God, which she still visits, has damned Democrats. Pastor Ed Kalnin implied in 2004 that church members who vote for John Kerry for president would go to hell. "I question your salvation," he said. This week the church issued a clarification saying Kalnin was only "joking" when he suggested "Kerry supporters would go to hell."
And Palin's church is promoting a conference that promises to pray to convert homosexuals into heterosexuals.
I respect her right to practice her own faith, but she needs to show us that she respects our right to believe or not believe in any religion we choose.
How will her faith impact her policy decisions if elected vice president?
It seems Palin can't always separate politics from God.
You've probably seen the video where she calls the war in Iraq a "task that is from God," and "God's plan." Then she prayed for the Alaska pipeline but said it wouldn't do any good to pray unless "the people of Alaska's hearts isn't right with God."
If she belongs to a church that wants to convert gays and even Jews, how can we trust her to represent all of us? We certainly can't trust her on abortion rights.
Of course Palin has a right to her beliefs. I'm waiting to hear her say she won't force them on us.
This blog brought to you by the Sun-Times editorial board (click on names to read bios):
I completely agree with the editorial position. I've read it once before, but it needs to be hammered into the country that this woman doesn't just use the bible as a code to live by; rather, it is the literal word of the lord. Any Jew to vote for her would be voting against himself, and any woman who voted for her would vote against herself. Finally, for other readers, if you haven't been following all the attack ads, which I haven't, you can see them all in one 5 second clip at 236.com -- here's a link: http://www.236.com/video/2008/speedcampaigning_all_your_nega_8916.php
ANYONE who has watched the video of Governor Palin's comments to which you refer knows that she was NOT saying the Iraq war is a "task from God" or "God's plan". She was praying that we follow God's will which is what every wartime president has prayed. She was praying that our task would be from God, not saying it is from God. And she was expressing her belief that God has a plan for this world. Again a belief shared by a great many Americans.
If you want to be taken seriously you really should pay attention to context and not misquote and misinterpret to push your own agenda. A lesson you & Charlie Gibson both should learn.
Or as Peggy Noonan put it so well, "On this latter it must be noted that Mrs. Palin never told a church that the Iraq war was God's will; she asked them to pray that it was God's will. It wasn't the sound of Republican hubris, it was the sound of Christian humility: We can't know the mind of God, we can only pray we are in accord with it."
She is definitely a double-talking, double-standard, liar. In her interview with Charlie Gibson, she cut him off and lied and switched her words and double-talked and Charlie was brilliant with her. She is a truly evil person who cannot be honest if her life depended on it. And she skirted the issue about hating homosexuals, Jews and wouldn't even touch her lack of support of ethnic people. She will definitely impose her religious nightmare beliefs on America and get us attacked again. She is worse than Bush could ever be. She is a true monster.
THIS DEMOCRAT IS STILL WORRIED ABOUT REV. WRIGHT.
Your article only reminds me of all the issues I still have with Rev. Wright. How can Sen. Obama a man who walked around telling us he was about UNITY sneak behind our back on the weekends and attend a RACIST, DIVISIVE, ANTI-AMERICAN Church.
Do we really want a President who felt comfortable attending this type of church for the last 20 years?
Sen. Obama has made several bigoted remarks himself, so does that mean he agrees with some of Rev. Wrighs views?
Some of his supporters have tried to excuse the actions of Rev. Wright by saying that happens at every black church. Well, our family is black also, and we attend black churches all the time and we can most certainly tell you that Obamas church HAS NOTHING in common with the typical black church. Obamas church is RADICAL and should not be seen as the typical back church.
As a Democrat I am really struggling with supporting Obama and I do not believe I will be able to excuse away his participation in a racist church simply because he is a Democrat and happens to be black.
This is scary! The Right Wing Republicans want to run every aspect of a person's live. THEY ARE THE EXTREMIST!
People of America WAKE UP! Don't complain again if the McCain-Palin ticket ruin America for another FOUR YEARS!
-The economy is horrible
-Our global relationships are horrible
-Our health care system is broken
-Crime is on the rise due to decrease after school programs and lack of jobs
-We spend $10 billion dollars on a war that was a lie and can't spend money at home for education, health care, jobs, etc.
America wake up from these hypocritics!
Please read article titled "Be Careful What You Say While Campaigning…. God May Be Watching." @ http://www.cliffyworld.com/blogs
Mary Mitchell's attack on Sarah Palin is amusing; it is always amusing to watch a Black "victim of racial prejudice" exhibiting such obvious racial prejudice against a White. The current Mary Mitchell pro-Obama, anti-Palin article is particularly amusing in that Mitchell exhibits a prejudice in favor of Obama (because he is Black), even though he is buttocks-deep in corrupt Chi-town politics, and a prejudice against Sarah Palin (because she is White), though an honest, sincere woman who will help end corruption in the federal government.
Because such blatant discrimination in the media angers so many White voters and encourages a large White turn-out on election day, I say, "Go, Mary, Go! You're only helping the good guys beat the bad guys."
Reis R. Kash
Springfield, Oregon
You are worried about that when Obama sat in a church for 20 years while the Rev. Wright did everything but stick a knife in the back of the United States?
You far left moon bats are coming totally unglued!
She has a record you know... this is stupid and completely hypocritical...
http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-09-11-palin-cover_N.htm
Everyone of the points here has been framed and distorted.
"[S]he needs to show us that she respects our right to believe or not believe in any religion we choose."
How about 2 years as Governor, during which she did not lift a finger to impose her religious beliefs on her fellow Alaskans? Good enough for me.
And when she does?
You'll still hate her just as much. And why? Because she's different from you.
Bigotry, thy name is Teresa.
Hey Teresa, do you mean like being forced to "worship" Mother Earth? Is it kind of like that? Is it like that, is it, is it? Spare me you dolt.
Why should she separate politics from God? Any true believer (in any "god") knows that your beliefs aren't "separate" from the other areas of your life but are used to guide your life and your decisions. And just because she holds fast to her values doesn't mean that she would "force" them on anyone.
By the way, how does one "force" their views on another?? Being Vice President won't give her that ability. In fact, it seems as if newspapers such as this one do more to "force" their values on us than any politician that I can recall.
Finally, it's not wise (or good reporting) to assign / attribute values to Palin based on a few soundbites and/or comments that may very well be taken out of context. THAT is really dangerous and reaks of someone attempting to "force" their opinions on us, doesn't it?
For those who aren't religious (that means you, Teresa) any true believer of any religion necessarily believes that their religion is true and right, and therefore right for all people. If Palin says that what she believes is fine for her, but she doesn't want to force it on anyone else, then she must not truly believe in the veracity if her faith, and therefore is not a faith at all. Further, almost all evangelical and catholic Christians believe that Jesus is the son of God and that Jews need his salvation as well (as do muslims - hence we have missionaries). And, since we believe in the inerrancy of scripture, we also believe that homosexuals are living a sinful lifestyle, as it is condemned by the Bible.
And to compare Palin to Obama is to ignore the fact that Obama chose wright's church for 17 years, while the guest speaker came for one day to Palin's church.
Sarah Palin is not going to force her religion on America. Rather, she is going to lead in a manner that reflects the conservative Christian values of the majority of Americans.
LOL! We're supposed to ignore Rev Wright but sink Palin?
How bout honing in on the Obama/Ayers connection and the results of the Annenberg Challenge?
Ignore "Reverend" Wright but sink Palin??? LMAO!
How bout honing in on the Obama/Ayers connection, the allocation of funding associated with the Annenberg Education Challenge and absymal results?
It should not be difficult to understand how some radical Muslims hellbent on imposing their vision of God have grown to hold the world hostage to terrorism. Right here in the U.S. (which includes Russian-neighboring Alaska), some radical religious fanatics hellbent on imposing their vision of God have grown to control the Presidency. The difference is that whereas radical muslims terrorists account for less than 1% of the Muslim population, the radical God-will-imposing Americans apparently account for almost 50% of our population.
In 21st Century America, Republicans seem to be reigniting the 11th Century Crusades. The original Crusades lasted about 300 years; at that rate the Republican Crusades will offer lifetime employment to many generations of divisive, hate-mongering, intolerant, absolutely opinionated fanatics who believe they are the only true representatives of God.
I could never imagine that God is as intolerant and hateful of his children as all these fanatics insist.
Greetings.
While I am also concerned about the nefarious work of J4J, I am dumbfounded by the basis of the criticism about -
"... rather, it is the literal word of the lord.
Any Jew to vote for her would be voting against himself, and any woman who voted for her would vote against herself..."
- Judaism is exactly and precisely living by the "literal word of the L-rd".
The only problem a Jew could have with the current situation is that the Xtian version of the Torah is erroneous, - outright false - leading Xtians to hold false beliefs and to take incorrect actions.
It is the continual altering and corruption of the Torah which is leading us astray, not what G-d actually wrote and instructed us to do and to follow.
The second statement, about voting for Palin being a vote against myself, has no rational basis.
Well Said, Teresa Puente.
In a world increasingly dominated by religious warfare, the last thing we need is another religious fanatic in the White House.
We do need to focus on getting our Economy Back On Track,
Education, Health Care, and getting OUT of wars that play on religious ideologies.
I will vote for any party who will focus on the real issues.
So far, that seems to be the Democrats.
I am a Jewish believer in Jesus. Here is a direct quote from David Brickner regarding his remarks at Sarah Palin's church: "The comments attributed to me were taken out of context. The notion that the terrorist, bulldozer attack in Jerusalem this summer was God’s judgment on Israel for not believing in Jesus, is absolutely not what I believe. In retrospect, I can see how my rhetoric might be misunderstood and I truly regret that. Of course I never expected the kind of magnifying glass scrutiny on a message where I was speaking extemporaneously. Let me be clear. I don’t believe that any one event whether a terrorist attack or a natural disaster is a specific fulfillment of or manifestation of a Biblical prediction of judgment. I don’t believe that the newspaper should be used to interpret the Bible. The Bible interprets the Bible. I love my Jewish people and the land of Israel. I stand with and support her against all efforts to harm her or her people in any way. Please feel free to read my further explanations on the front page of our website, both in my article and in the interviews I did with Christianity Today and NBC." The website is www.jewsforjesus.org
When is Palin going to be questioned about her pastor? When is her church going to be scrutinized like Trinity? Will her pastor be demonized for his ridiculous statements? Will he be called her spiritual leader? Are there different standards working here?
NEllis
Sarah Palin left the Assembly of God in 2002, 2 years before any John Kerry comments were made, as far as comments made against Jews at Wasilla Bible Church, this was not the church pastor, merely a guest speaker. Governor Palin had no control over who spoke at her church. Senator Obama chose to sit in a church that has been shown to have had several controversial sermons by the pastor and Obama's "spiritual mentor." He also chose to sit in this church for over 20 years.
I'd just as soon have Vladmar Putin run this country as I would the City of Chicago's Leftwing Machine. Putin would be the lesser of two devils, but he'd also be infinately less corrupt. ( RIP Dad, you'll notice I didn't say anything about your Cubbies)
"Any Jew to vote for her would be voting against himself, "
Yeah . . . That's why she keeps an Israeli flag hanging in her office.
Anyway, you mean the would be Muslim President Obama who hangs out with the likes of former Muslim turned "Christian" Rev Wright is a better choice for the Jews?
Give me a break . . .
Governor Palin said she prays we are on God's side. Which is quite different from what is being suggested here. In fact George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, FDR, and JFK all talked quite a bit about America striving always to be doing God's work on Earth. I am an agnostic, however, I am very surprised that so few Americans understand the gentleness that is part of the nature of the religiosity of most Christians including Governor Palin. She would never force her views on others.
Please provide example(s) of anyone politian or non politican who has forced their religious beliefs on anyone.
This editorial is nonsense. Palin has no desire to force her faith on anyone, and many people in fact share her faith. Nor is she responsible for the opinions of a guest speaker from Jews for Jesus, of which she is not a member (and who, surprise surprise, disagree with other Jews about Jesus. Hence the name). Nor did she say that the (very successful) Iraq war was a task from God. As she explained to Charlie Gibson, and as the tape shows, she only asked people to pray that the war was in keeping with God's plan. Lincoln did the same in the Civil War. In any case, none of this compares to the blatant race hatred and anti-Americanism of Rev. Wright or "Father" Pfleger, whose bile Obama listened to for 20 years. Only after Wright insulted Obama's pride by calling him a mere politician did Obama decide to distance himself from Wright.
hey,Mary are those blue contacts i see? Arn't you proud of your brown eyes?
1. How, exactly, does one "force" their religion on another? Don't think I've ever seen that done.
2. FTA: You've probably seen the video where she calls the war in Iraq a "task that is from God," and "God's plan."
Gov. Palin said no such thing, despite ABC's lisleading editing that tried to make it seem so. She was paraphrasing Abraham Lincopln, and essentially said, as he did, "Let us pray that our task is God's task."
Fearing that Sarah Palin's devout Christianity will somehow lead to anti-Semitism is silly.
No President in recent decades was more devoutly Christian than George W. Bush. Yet Bush was the most pro-Israel President America has had since Ronald Reagan. And Jews knew it. And Israelis knew it.
As Vice President, what the heck can Sarah Palin do anyway to affect anyone with her religious philosophy? Her only Constitutional duty as Vice President is to preside over the U.S. Senate and cast a tie-breaking vote if one is ever needed. Unlike Dick Cheney, who was highly experienced and ambitious and the power behind the throne in the Bush Administration, Sarah Palin is a relative novice to the Federal Government; and so she won't be any kind of power behind the throne. She'll be an adviser to President McCain on energy issues and that's it.
Um, yes and Mr. Obama has no such problems? Native Americans against Obama would beg to disagree.
Video
Native American's Against Obama-Who?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AybvQlUVvow
These guys strike fast and hard, they have a video in response to Obama's lies for public consumption about fast US troop withdrawals from Iraq. Then he goes to Iraq in July, and tried to pressure the Iraqi government and top US commanders to slow down American troops coming home, for sheer political purposes. IMO, Obama is scum for playing political games with American lives in such a cavalier manner.
Go to native Americans against Obama, scoll down to second video, "All’s Fair in Lies & War?"
absolute drivel. when did obama convert and why did he convert?
who is dr. khalid al monsour and how deep is his relationship with obama?
what about alinski? frank marshall davis? where were obama's good buddies at the dnc? how come malcolm x jr, i mean bho hasn't had anyone to vouch for him? how come a man, who wanted to be the president of the world since age 4 has NO RECORD WHATSOEVER? how come the UCC took down their 10 racist tenets 12-15 months ago? how come obama said disavowal of white middleclassness was what drew him to wright? how come 3 gay men have died recently at the UCC? what was obama doing in pakistan in 1981?
Well, the Catholic American Bishops have a big problem with John Kerry also because of his support for abortion. Are America's 50 million Catholics all religious "extremists" because they believe doctrinally that a supporter of abortion who does not repent might not make it into heaven?
Comparing Palin's church, which has sixteen million members, with Reverend Wright's vicious, black supremacist racist message equates Christianity with fascism. That's why, in case you hadn't noticed, Reverend Wright and his pal Farrakhan have no problem with white supremacists like George Lincoln Rockwell: Both believe in racial separation and all of the other trash Americans were supposed to have rejected long ago. And yet, Obama sat there for 22 years and listened to Reverend Wright preach hatred -- and was silent.
The fact is, nobody in Sarah Palin's church has ever preached the sort of outright racist, anti-semitic vitriol that Reverend Wright has, if you've ever bothered to listen to any of his diatribes.
I don't think nobody has right to force to change their faith.I respect her right to practice her own faith, but she needs to show us that she respects our right to believe or not believe in any religion we choose.It seems Palin can't always separate politics from God.I think she need to concentrate on politics.
____________________________________________________________________
sarah
California DUI
Every knee will bow and every tongue confess.........EVERY!
And this is not the scariest part of it. Google 'Joel's Army' and see what SP's church is really up to. This is the real scary part! This appears to be a fanatic movement that SP appears to be a star participant in. They put people into politics whose major aim is conversion of the masses to Christianity, and the raising of children as 'God's soldiers' in a war for non-Christian's souls. This stuff should give all thinking Americans cause for some serious nightmares. Let's hope that it fuels the average sane person to get involved politically, and prove that most of us really are still capable of thinking for ourselves!
QUOTE - "I worry Sarah Palin is going to force her faith on the American people."
That is the most ignorant statement I have ever read. No one really believes that crap and you know it. Never in American history has ANY PRESIDENT much less VICE PRESIDENT done any such thing.
Are you concerned Obama will force his crazy pastors beliefs on us? What about Supreme Court Justices pastors? Please link to those stories you wrote on that topic I would like to read them.
QUOTE - "You've probably seen the video where she calls the war in Iraq a "task that is from God," and "God's plan." Then she prayed for the Alaska pipeline but said it wouldn't do any good to pray unless "the people of Alaska's hearts isn't right with God."
Wrong and out of context but that is probably on par for you.
QUOTE - "If she belongs to a church that wants to convert gays and even Jews, how can we trust her to represent all of us?"
Do you even know any Christians? Have you ever spoken with a real one? I don't think you have nor would you even bother. Pity.
I guess letting facts get in the way of a good slanted story would be too much. I guess you think people are too stupid to see through you but they aren't.
It is a common practice among Christians to (often) pray The Lord's Prayer, which contains the phrase "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven."
I suppose that it is done in the churches attended by Obama, Biden, McCain, as well as Palin. We should assume that they all mean it.
Throughout the centuries a great many church members have been very interested in reaching out to non-church members with the message of God's love in Jesus Christ. In the process many have become Christians.
As a Christian I cannot think of anything better to wish for other people than that they find Jesus Christ and embrace him as their Lord and Savior. Sarah Palin and the Jews for Jesus appear to have that same wish.
I don't know how I possibly could force my faith on you! Shall I come to your door with a gun threatening to shoot you unless you get yourself baptized and promise that you will go to church? Don't worry, that ain't gonna happen. Knowing and experiencing God's love, we have no other way than trying to persuade people, and that can never happen in any other way than treating people with the love and respect God has for all of us.
There are areas in the world where only religious leaders are political leaders. I have been around in Christian circles for quite a while, and I have never heard any Christian express a desire for such a theocratic situation.
All of us are constantly bombarded with messages to change our thinking, our habits, our buying patterns. Everybody, it seems, wants to convert me to their viewpoints on the environment, on the war, on political viewpoints, on our attitudes towards, say, Islam. I welcome all ideas. I like the marketplace where everybody can express their thoughts in freedom. I like to listen and have been known to change my mind. On the marketplace of ideas the Gospel of Jesus Christ is proclaimed. As with everything else, you can take it or leave it. I just hope and pray that you will take it. I cannot imagine anything better for anybody!
All the best,
Henry
We have serious concerns about how ineffective the Democrats are being with so much ammo on their plates. Almost inept and reflecting little imagination, their speeches have little if any fire, luster, passion, anger, disdain or incredulity.
Any fool knows that McCain is cannibalizing the care, time and attention from a special needs child and, in effect, peddling the flesh of his mother to distract and cover his naked backside because he has nothing of merit on which to run. Correspondingly, the pimps are happy to have a US Senator, with the approval of the religious right, as a partner in deed. Yet, he stands tall, virtually untouched because no one is calling him, the GOP and the hypocrisy laden religious right to give an account. We feel that the Gore and Kerry campaigns are being revisited and repeated. Also, we feel that if the GOP had a tenth of the ammo that the Democrats have, the race would be over and McCain would be practicing oath taking protocols. Unless some of the above ingredients be added, and in good measure, to their presentations, we are looking consecutive loss number three for Democrats.
How can McCain, the GOP and the religious right, say they love this country, are patriotic, etc and yet, seeing eight years of pathetic leadership from Republicans, ask Americans to stay with a losing horse, the Republicans, for another four to eight years? We haven’t seen one Democrat look, eyes to the cameras, and with disgust and disdain ask that question of Republicans and the American people. After twenty six years, what has McCain done that’s made the lives of Americans better? Campaign financing, is that all? Who is impressed, really? These are just two things that Democrats are not hammering McCain about. There are many others, which we have written down. But the seeming inability of Democrats to campaign and take it to McCain effectively is confounding to us. McCain shouldn’t even be in the race, we’ve concluded. How is he qualified to ask for a promotion and a pay raise after having, in effect, run his ship aground by voting to race into Iraq and a trillion dollar (taxpayers!) black hole from which no one can escape except our allies?
Exactly how many smoking guns do Democrats need?
I see that the people are still going to believe what ever lies the republic party tells. Know that they have a woman in there camp it will be even better. Because if she gets caught in a lie she can blame it on pastor wright and if that does not work she can talk in tounges or cry. she could alwasy bild a bridge to the white house. thas right she was against the bridge oh no i mean for the bridge . she will fit in with the group thats in now. lie lie lie.the people love it
What if the Democrats had respected the 18 million women who voted for Mrs. Clinton and put a woman on the ticket. Lots of good Democrat women out there.Mr Obama had better fix his sexism problem pronto. Insult my wife and then ask for our vote. Kinda dumb
The purpose for government is to promote the good of its people.
Eternal government or the one that is Perfect has already been revealed in the Bible.We need to model ours on that one.That's why I'm voting with due respect Mccain/ Palin. Google: 'VMI pipe
band', page and click on tune.
I have no such concern that Sarah Palin will force her religion on the American people because her faith and the doctrines of her church have never before been an issue in an election. She has never made them an issue. She may have been in the pews for the controversial guest speaker, but it is unfair that we assume that her mere presence is an endorsement of the views expressed. The key in the statement about Kalnin's church is that she was a member in the past before he was the pastor. Just because a politician visits a church doesn't mean they endorse what the pastor is saying.
Most Christians believe that any sexual intercourse between unmarried individuals is a sin. It is also believed based on the bible that homosexuality is an abomination in the eyes of the LORD. So, for any church to pray for any people to turn from their sinful ways is just what a church does, it doesn't mean you govern that way.
What can she do to ally the fears of doubters that her religion will interfere with her duty to govern?
In the video of which you speak she is sending off missionaries from a church so she asked to pray about weather or not Iraq was a mission from God. We all ought to hope that we are on God's side when we make decisions.
What can she do to demonstrate that she respects your rights as well as you respect hers? I have no problem with a person of faith allowing their faith to influence policy making. I just don't wish religion to control policy. Palin will not do this.
The same question could be asked of any person of publicly professed faith or no faith at all. we can trust that she will be honest about her position. What is not to trust about someone who says that she will work with people she disagrees with to reduce teenage pregnancy. This whole election has to be about something other than abortion.
Everyone has a right to their beliefs. Why is the first response of people to those who publicly profess their faith to say that they must prove that they will not force them on us? Is there any proof that she forced her beliefs on the people of Alaska? I don't think so. If she didn't force the people of Alaska to subscribe to her religious beliefs than why would she force the American people to subscribe to her beliefs?
Umm, why do we care what their pastor's think? I go to Trinity and I know that as a preacher's kid, the views of the pastor do not necessarily reflect the views of the entire congregation. There have been things that have been said in the pulpit that I do not agree with but I do not hang on to every single word that is said. The pastor is a human just like everyone else. And trust me when I tell you, they have more problems than anyone could possibly imagine. We are not voting for the pastor, but for the president. I could care less where the candidates go to church but more about how they are going to reform health care for those of us who have been laid off for more than a year and COBRA is kicking our ass! Or why we have money for a war in Iraq but children are going to bed hungry... or how I am going to pay off my student loans with no job! These are the things that I care about.
All law is moral law. Freedom of expression of religious faith is given to us in our constitution. Governor Palin does not lose those rights as governor. Her prayers for our nation are no different than General Washington at Valley Forge, President Lincoln at Gettysburg, or President Rossevelt during the darkest day of World War 2.
She has always been proud to be an American. She has fought and defeated a powerful political machine in her own party. She has always been a supporter of the State of Israel the only republic in the Mideast.
I think that everyone judgeing and by the media. All you have to do is read for yourself all sides then vote some peoples on here are being very perjudice both black and white, men and women. Really both have faults and weakness. I don't know who to vote for yet, but the way everyone is getting crazy here make think that america still has a lot of hatered against each other. I think the one guy said it best look at media shows and read the papers also go back and read about before now.
All evangelical Christians believe in a Jesus who is also Jewish. Every Christian that I know (and I am one) supports Israel. Who do you think will stand with Israel against Iran, McCain/Palin or Obama/Biden? Israel does not need talk with a regime that has as a core tenet " to wipe the state of Israel off the face of the earth". I have talked with fanatics and the one thing I have is learned is that you cannot reason with them.
First of all, our political leaders have the right to make decisions based on THEIR views and stances. That is why WE vote for the one's who have beliefs and positions that line up with our own. That is also why it is so important that every eligible American vote. When the majority says "this is what we want, this is who we want" then they are saying, I believe what this person believes and I want what this person is offering. What we as Americans expect is for them to follow through with what they say. I pray daily that we have God-led leaders in our cities,counties, states, and countries. I pray for the salvation of everyone on the globe. I pray that homosexuals, cohabitors, and others living in what my Bible calls sin, repent and turn toward God. That doesn't mean I scream and yell at people who don't believe like I do or mistreat those that I believe are not living right. And I don't try to force my beliefs on them. If they ask, I will talk about my stance, my beliefs, and my convictions. And just like Sarah Palin I have the right to pray for anyone in the way that I feel is right. As a Christian I have an obligation to love everyone, but that doesn't mean that I like what they do or even have to accept it. I will stand against the things that I believe corrupt our society but I will always love people in the midst of it. It is high time Christians stopped being afraid of offending people and stood up for what they believe. We don't have to be rude or self-righteous about it but we don't have to stand by and let others force us to accept their views either.
James wrote on September 12, 2008 9:39 PM:
She was praying that our task would be from God, not saying it is from God.
How is that any different?
Christian humility by Palin? Yeah, right. Far right arrogance.
Unless our task as defined by Gov. Palin is in fact from Satan, which it must very well be as is evidenced by the deeds of our current "born-again" President. If God truly does have a plan for our world, and part of that plan is to have another Republican elected President of the United States on November 4th, we as Christians are all doomed to the fires of hell.
The fact that one man makes comments in a church does not mean that every member of that church shares his idea. Religion is not the spiritual and moral dictator. It is merely a tool for the congregation to use in their own spiritual journey. I know many gay catholics and protestants that still affiliate with a church choosing to condemn their lifestyle. This is not because they themselves feel guilty or immoral about their life choices. Rather they feel a spiritual connection to the religion and have made a choice to belong to the congregation even if it does not approve of every aspect of their life. Ask Sen. Palin if she believes that unrest in Israel is the cause of Gods wrath. Ask her if she believes homosexuals need to be cleansed or rehabilitated. Don't assume that she agrees with every word some guy said in her church.
Let me just say this, both candidates have their own set of issues within their private life, however what we need to concentrate on is which candidate will better serve the issues of the american people. What amazes me most is that everyone has forgotten that old adage that you can't mix politics and religion, because first of all anyone who thinks that politics isn't corrupt has no business what so ever commenting on this blog. That goes for John McCain & Sarah Palin, Barack Obama & Joe Biden. I also don't understand this loyalty to a (REPUBLICAN) party that has practically ruined the country. Oh yea, you've cost or almost cost me or someone I know to loose their home, cost or almost cost my son or daughter to have to drop out of college. you have cost or almost cost the ruin of major financial institution, you have cause the death of people husands, sons, brothers, fathers, nephews in your made up war, You took the country from an eight year DEMOCRAT SURPLUS to an eight year REPUBLICAN. But hey, OUT OF LOYALTY I'M READY FOR YOU TO CONTINUE ON YOUR PATH TO ME & MY CHILDREN FUTURE ECONOMIC DEMISE. Anyone who believes that these people (REPUBLICAN) are going to change their spots, have got to BE A SET OF THE DUMBEST STUPID PEOPLE ON THE PLANET.
,,Palin is about as dumb as dirt..no grasp of issues..no understanding of race relations..and she makes mccain look like a dirty ol' man..one positive..she isnt bad looking..just STUPID..
I Hope all the people that think saint sara listen to what she has said. because if she has her way like chaney we will be dealing with russia soon. I hope the people stop her before then. Is it me or are you wondering why the rnc is sending 12 lawyers to stop a small investigation/?????????????.
WALDO 45
I can understand the reason that some people try so hard to find faults with Sarah. They have given up trying to find something right with Obama. We still know little of him and what we know is scarely as heck.
This is in resonse to lil miss sunshine: Why is it going to matter if you can pay your student loans or afford health care if you are not free in your own country? If Obama wins this election we will not have our freedom very long. McCain will do everything he can to protect this country from our enemies. Actually that is the responsibility of every American president to PROTECT THIS COUNTRY FROM ALL ENEMIES. It is not to make the government have control of every aspect of our lives like the Democrats want to do. I don't want Universal Health Care, I don't want to take part of my money and give to those who don't have as much as I have (unless I give tithes through my church or a charity organization). This is what Obama wants. He wants the government to control every aspect of our lives and I for one do not want that. I am just as concerned about social issues in this country as the next person but ask our Democratic congress why things are like they are!! They say all of this will be free so where is the money going to come from? It will come from the working people of this great country! Also you say you go to Trinty; so does that mean you agree with Rev. Wright on all of his hatred? I have never seen anyone so filled with hate in my life!! God help this country if Obama is elected.
Why is this country run by fear? I am truly disgusted with the fact that a political party thinks it is representing ANY religion. I am a Catholic and I still dont see how anyone can claim the Republican Party is the party to best represent me.
Republicans;
Believe in the Death Sentence - Sin
Believe in Greed(Tax cut for rich) - Sin
Believe in a war of lies - Sin
JUDGE those that are different(homosexual, abortion) -Sin
The only thing Republicans have is Abortion but still Sin on that issue themselves. They JUDGE those getting the abortions; God does not want us to Judge those who in his eyes are sinning, but help them, guide them to make a better choice. If they choose the abortion then it is not up to us to judge.
If you were truly a Patriot and a Christian, you would believe in Pro Choice. How can a true American say no to Choice? That sounds silly, who are we, Iran?
Can someone tell me, what does Palin believe? Has anyone heard her say what she can do to better America? What do we really know about her? Let's keep it real. Nothing! Take religion out of this. Let's focus on the real issues.
No, not another 'pastorgate'.
First it was Rev. Rite, now its this pastor?
Yet, the right of Rev Rite to use 'fire and brimstone' language to express his views was and still is criticized by the talk show propagandists.
However, again we see 'white priviledge' at work.
For Rev Rite, his words are 'unpatriotic'.
For that other preacher, neither Roosh Limbug or Shorn Connity has dropped any froth, or gnashed any teeth over it.
Fortunately, the world cannot be fooled.
The American people cannot be hoodwinked by the propaganda of Roosh, Shorn and the Faux-tongued network.
Folks, do we live on different planets. Please realize, our land is a mess and we need to fix it. So many of the comments are downright hateful with no respect for our God. I listen, read and try to understand why we are so divided in the country. Wake up and know this USA belongs to all of us and we need to show the world our unity, love and the ablility to get along with the rest of the world. People this is the only planet we have. Let's step back up to being the powerful land we use to be and stop the craziness. I ask one question were do you want you and our USA to be in the future and please compare the last 8 years to the previous 8. Think and vote!
Where do you people get the strange ideas that she wants to put her religion on everyone? She and every other candidate have a right to worship in any religion or church they wish. Freedom of religion is part of the package and we don't want people to just give kip service to that. Most every president so far was a believer.
I expect on day a young man or woman perhaps a Hindu will become President. If a child is born and reared here then they should have that opportunity.
The truth is the issues all the liberals really take umbrage over are the war and the economy.
McCain and Palin will be better for the economy. Obama wants to install a healthcare plan that will cost between four and five trillion the first year. Who will pay for that monstrosity to cover 300 million citizens and twenty million immigrants? You the taxpayer. He wants to beef up the war in Afghanistan which will cost money, He wants to legalize drugs and pay for more treatment centers, pay for 180 billion in researches for Cancer and other diseases. And adopt all kinds of educational programs which will cost 500 billion.
We lost seventeen million manufactures that moved overseas. No he will tax the already heavily burdened factory owners. We pay high taxes and tariffs while other countries like Peru pay little. He wants to get rid of the fence and let the Mexicans come. He wants the government medical to pay for abortions. This will all come out of the workers pocket. In France and England where they already socialized they pay out 65% of their wages in taxes to pay for all the programs. Somebody has to pay for it. He will backrupt the country which is already in economic trouble.
Mac is not like Bush he is frugal. He is experienced and he is strong. Bush was none of those things.
Nice try...but it's too late to convert your panic into any type of viable or substantial criticism.
A guest speaker at a church says nothing about an attendee's world view. However a 20 year attendee's membership to a church that preaches black liberation theology from the pulpit every Sunday, speaks for itself.
I attend a church that occaisionally has a guest speaker. There are plenty of times that my pastor will say "Last week we had so-and-so with us to share a message on such-and-such. While we don't agree on every theological doctrine, he or she is very gifted or anointed in the area of Evangelism." Or whatever the case may be. There's never going to be 2 people in the ministry that agree on every theological issue. Now if the pastor of her church was saying these things over and over, it would be worth questioning her as to what she believes on this issue. But really, a guest? Get a life.
I know it's getting scary that you can't find any dirt on this woman. But if she's going to be the vice president of our country, that's a good thing!
You lefties are so backward.
The ONLY person here with a pastor problem is B Hussein Obama and his lovely lifelong association with the blatant militant racist J. Wright. Nice try at spin deflection though libs, but....fail.
That is all you have got? A visiting pastor said blah blah blah?
A pastor made a joke?
These things are not even close the BS Wright spews still to this day! He was obamas full time preacher, he MARRIED THEM, HE BAPTIZED HIS KIDS. Wright is full of hate for all non African and hates America.
Sorry, a littlie different then Gov Palin. Nice try though.
The United States of America was founded on the principal of religious freedom. Successive presidents have been Episcopal, Baptist, Lutheran, Catholic, and other denominations. None has ever tried to impose his faith on any other person. Christianity does not work that way. You want to convert, come to us and ask for it. The only religion that imposes it's beliefs on non members is Islam. Conversion by the sword. Why in Muslim lands there is a special tax paid by non-Muslims that Muslims do not have to pay?
Comparing that a guest speaker once spoke at Palin's church, to Obama's 17 year attendance every week to the reverend Wright's hate mongering is the height of absurdity.
Is this the only nits that the Democrats can pick at against Palin, while totaly ignoring the beams of Rev. Wright, Obama's association with the Black Panthers, His Law school being paid for by a radicial Muslim terrorist advocate.
I's sick of all these hateful comments from both sides! Those of you that profess a religion...you should ask yourself what your God would do...be mean and spiteful, or forgiving and supportive of each other? We all have our own political beliefs, and all the candidates have some issues that should really be forgiven and forgotten; it's okay to disagree on issues, but not to spew the kind of hateful remarks going on here.
Please don't compare Gov. Palins attendance at a worship service where a guest speaker was voicing his opinion about judgement against Jews vs. Sen. Obama sitting for 20 years in a service in which the pastor shouted and screamed asked God to Damn America. Obama stayed, and that tells me worlds about his slant as a Christian If Obama becomes president, we must all praya for him. Otherwise there is no telling what mischief he will bring to our country.
Has anyone really paid attention to their response. Please read before you decide to respond. Everyone is entitled to their opinion; this is an election; but throwing crap at each other does not solve the problem. The responses here do not represent learned people. Pause, breath and then respond - my goodness.
My pastor could always say if you don't believe in something you will fall for anything. I think what democrats need is a bit more faith and trust in God and Republicans a few more guys with brain cells to think. For instance i have no doubt in my mind that George Bush is a good God fearing man but no one also can dispute that the guy is not smart....what every country needs is a leader that is smart like Obama or Bill Clinton but not shy to declare his faith like George Bush.........guess its a package that we all have to pray and believe God for........if we are going to see his kingdom established here on earth. Ultimately God is love and anyone who means well and cares for this world should never ever fear God loving people , doesn't mean they shouldn't fear dumb leaders.
I think everyone has lost their mind! Remember how our country united after 9-11?
Let's vote ,and unlike now........ support the winner as our president.
A country divided cannot stand!!!
Ed
^ Just shows what kind of right-wing inbred nut jobs there are in the world. You're more focused on a name assigned to Obama at birth than the issues he represents? Go crawl back in your little hole so that we don't have to put up with the idiotic garbage your kind enjoy speaking.
Obama/Biden 08
Thank you Tonya, I may add these people are clearly the over 250,000.00 a year group if their only worries are Palins's church and Mr Obama former pastor, the rest of us are concern about healthcare, gas prices our home or lack of education, which seem to be badly need from some of the comments. Fact update Mr Obama is not a Muslin and Fact he just in 2006 paid off his student loans(check the record).
This is not the first time Palin has blurted out thoughtless comments in public that show her true colors, and why is it that her supporters turn a blind eye to it and continue to cheer her on?
Remember her disrespectful comment about community organizers?
This is yet another example of party/religion politics at its worst. Once again, it seems Republican's would rather recklessly support another fiasco candidate (GWB being the biggest mistake in US history) than face the hard cold truth that Palin is far from suitable to be a vice president or (heaven forbid) a president if something were to happen to McCain.
Forget gender, forget party affilations, and forget race. People need to sober up, set their prejudices aside and look at who's really the most competent and progressive candidate to be the next president and vice president of the United States. We also need to move beyond the war mentality and choose someone who most represents peace. Isn't that what Christianity is supposed to be about? To refer to an old quote, there is no such thing as a "holy war" because during every war, the first casuality is truth.
I find comments like this very depressing:
"Successive presidents have been Episcopal, Baptist, Lutheran, Catholic, and other denominations. None has ever tried to impose his faith on any other person. Christianity does not work that way."
First of all, they have all been Christian. The fact that someone tries to argue diversity among Christians shows their bias towards Christianity.
Second, many people in America have tried to impose faith upon others and continue to do so. Why was "In God We Trust" added to money in the 1950s?
I am a different faith than Christian, and I was born and grew up in the heartland of America. Every week of every year of my childhood in the 1970s I was under pressure to be a Christian. The public schools required us to perform Christian prayers, we had no choice but to celebrate Christian holidays and pretend we were Christian, we only sang Christian hymns in choir, and we visited Christian churches and participated in their prayers on Sundays as a form of public performance. I was not a Christian, but the public school in rural America told me I had to be one if I wanted to get an education. One of the kids in my class was a Jehovah's Witness and he was often told to leave the room so we could pray.
I can say with absolute certainty that there are Christians in America who believe they are obligated to force religion on others. Are you familiar with the Christian "hammer" and "army" movements that recruit uneducated and isolated rural kids into camps where they are taught how to hate others? Do you realize that a team of religious fundamentalist lawyers in Texas are now the ones who are defending Palin in Troopergate?
It is not a question of Christianity, it is one of fundamentalism and extremism, and Christianity is certainly not immune.
Palin represents the kind of people who would rather hate their neighbor that learn how to respect differences and accept diversity. Her views represent intolerance, secrecy and oppression. It is no coincidence that she quoted Westbrook Pegler, a fascist and Nazi sympathizer, as an inspiration in her acceptance speech.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westbrook_Pegler
You Christians who think there is no oppression or pressure in America from the government simply can not see the forest for the trees. Palin is a puppet of the extreme right. They will use her to advance a fundamentalist agenda and she will be more than happy to force an extreme and hateful version of Christianity on this country.
I agree completely with Teresa, as I already have experienced it in America and I see the same evil in Palin.
While I do agree that the words of Sarah Palin's Reverend should not be directly attributed to her (that would be silly) nor do I believe she would attempt to force her religious beliefs on the American people, I do find it odd that no one is talking about her radical reverend. Especially since the conservatives made such a huge deal about the Rev. Wright comments. If you can connect one politician with their adviser from the pulpit you should do the same for the other.
Why is it when Wright is seen making comment people disapprove of he is "hate mongering" but the comments of Palin's reverend is dismissed as an aborition. Come on people. You think he just woke up one day and had a "special service" decrying Jews, Democrats and Homosexuals? Of course not. And Palin still has not been asked to respond to these opinions the way Obama had Wright's.
Going to church does not make you a good person. Having faith in God does not mean your morals are in good standing. I personnally don't like Palin, no matter what religious beliefs she claims. And I can't stand getting preached to by candidates or anyone for that matter. I refuse to have anyone shove their beliefs in my face or make them out to be more important than they really are. I am a good person. I don't go to church, but believe in God. But, religious beliefs will not be my deciding factor for choosing who I vote for. I consider myself a liberal conservative or a conservative liberal and can't stand it when people are ignorant enough to assume that Republicans are always conservative or if you have any beliefs that are liberal you must be a Democrat or better yet are a bad person that can't possibly believe in religion. Bush has destroyed this country. It doesn't matter which party he's associated with. He is just plain stupid. I have a right to my opinion; deal with it.
Daguz (on September 21, 2008 11:37 PM) gets the award for most twisted post thus far.
To say that the Death Penalty is a "sin" is absolutely laughable, especially if you read what God says in the Bible. The death penalty is only given to ruthless criminals who have [most likely] been convicted of murder (someone who has unjustly taken someone else's life). The people who are opposed to the death penalty have no concept of what justice is. What is justice when someone kills your mother?...Paying for a convicted criminal to eat meals everyday, living off taxpayers' money until they die of old age? That's the price of your mom's life? hmmm...
"Rich" people aren't all greedy. But if they are, that means all the Hollywood millionaires are greedy, hmmm...
Tax cuts for the rich [who are already heavily taxed] is necessary in a capitalist society. Why take a huge amount of a person's income who has worked hard for their money so that they must manditorily support those who don't work or aren't doing what they can to find work?... And forcing them to pay huge amounts of their income to pay for government programs that they may not even support? Where's the freedom in that? Not to mention, if they were able to keep or invest more of their money, they could help poorer people by supplying them with more jobs, and help grow the economy.
What is a war of lies? When Muslim extremists fly planes into buildings is that an "honest war"? Afterall, they told everyone why they did it... they were honest about their reasons for taking innocent lives, and plan to take more...
Who is judging homosexuals and people who have abortions? And what is their judgement? Secondly, aren't you judging them? Ooops... hypocrite...
You say that a Christian should believe in murdering innocent life? Really?? Is that what your saying? Christians must believe in allowing people to kill innocent human life? wow... Where is the substance behind all of these accusations you make? I fail to see any...
I am Jewish. I am voting for Palin. Right wing Christians are Israel's best allies.
If any one is concerned with Palin's belief system and whether it would interfere with her decision making. Go to youtube and type in this caption: Sarah Palin, Thomas Muthee and witchcraft
She has repeatedly said she would not force her religious beliefs on the people of Alaska. Why is there any more reason that she will do it on the rest of the country? Many of her beliefs have been completely distorted. Her father is a science teacher so she does believe in science. She only suggested that creationism might be discussed in addition to evolution if a student wanted to. She said her feelings about not aborting Trig was a very personal CHOICE. Many republican and democratic women would not consider abortion but do believe in a woman's right to choose. If you actually research Sarah Palin, her beliefs are very moderate. She is supported by both Democrats and Republicans in Alaska. Gay Alaskans have said they really like her. Pols from the other side have done their best to smear Palin for their own political gains.
Your article is quoting Sarah Palin OUT OF CONTEXT.
She said we must seek God, seek God's plan. You are saying she said that God said the war was His plan. It was a statement of humility.
As for what a Jews For Jesus speaker said in her church as a visiting guest, that is bogus. Just like a television station says, 'the views of our guest do not necessarily reflect the views of this station or management.' Rev. Wright speaks week after week, year after year with some visiting speakers. This man was a visiting speaker at that church, not Sarah's pastor.
You are smearing Sarah Palin because if Governor Palin is successful, she will bring back traditional principles and reignite the social causes conservatives believe in. That, of course, angers the left, which wants to basically wipe out conservative beliefs. They fear a resurgence of traditional tenets. They fear what Governor Palin could represent. So the attacks on Palin are almost unprecedented.
I am wondering if either the writer of that article or many of the commentators have any Idea of . . . well the best name for it is reality. This may sound condescending but get real!!! forcing her beliefs on us? as vice president? or even President? I have lived sixty years and in all that time I have never seen any body by use of force or coercion change what someone else believes. A belief is the one thing that a person has that is the product of his or her own will and cannot be altered by force! And this person writes for a major newspaper!! Beliefs are created within an individual by the process of reasoning. Granted, others may influence this process but a significant change in what a person believes can only be brought about (in any rational adult) by divine revelation. No! What this writer is really saying is that she does not agree with Palin's beliefs and therefore Palin must repudiate her own beliefs or not run for office. And this "writer" accuses others of trying to force a change in beliefs? What a hypocrite!
As for improper use of her power for the coercion of others Palin has already passed that test with flying colors two years ago Governor Sarah Palin announced that, per the recent ruling of the Supreme Court of Alaska, the State of Alaska's regulations are in effect to begin providing state benefits to same sex partners beginning January 1, 2007. "The Supreme Court has ordered adoption of the regulations by the State of Alaska to begin providing benefits January 1," said Governor Palin. "We have no more judicial options. We may disagree with the rationale behind the ruling, but our responsibility is to proceed forward with the law and follow the Constitution."
It appears that not only can't Teresa Puente understand the difference between having a personal belief and attempting the impossible, but she also can't bother to read anything about her subject before writing about it.
You're comparing apples to oranges. The comments made in Palin's church were based on biblical passages, where God clearly outlines how one is saved by grace from hell; those who do not repent in this life are condemned. Those are not my words or Palin's words; it is God's Word. This is God graciously laying out for us what is true and just. He is telling us not how one is condemned but rather how one can be SAVED. Thus, they become loving, not hateful, words. (If God did not love us, He would not have provided a way of escape from hell, much less told us how to find it.) God also outlines the result in this life and the next for those who do not heed His word.
So, when pastors repeat God's message (quoting scripture), how can you possibly compare them to the hateful race-baiting comments made by Rev. Jeremiah Wright? Have you forgotten his words? Remember "God damn America"? Or perhaps his accusation that "the government gives (African Americans) the drugs." Then there was this one: "It just came to me within the past few weeks, y'all, why so many folks are hating on Barack Obama. He doesn't fit the model. He ain't white, he ain't rich, and he ain't privileged."
There is nothing remotely biblical about these sayings. Even Obama accused his pastor of exploiting racism, recognizing nothing Godly about such comments.
So let's get to your real argument. You say, "Palin has a right to her beliefs. I'm waiting to hear her say she won't force them on us." You also say you can't "trust her" on abortion rights. What you're really saying is, she can believe what she wants as long has her public policy agrees with and supports YOURS. That's utter nonsense. Should I demand the same from Obama? He can believe what he wants in his heart and church, but when it comes to public policy, he'd better align with me and fight against homosexual marriage, abortion and liberal policies? Of course not, that would be ridiculous. Obama's policies line up with what he believes. So do hers. Why is it okay for Obama to put his beliefs into practice (abortion, homosexuality), but not all right for Palin to do so? At best, that's disingenuous of you; at worst, hypocritical.
It seems you think only your positions on homosexuality, abortion, etc. are valid and in the broad public interest; all others are an intrusion on personal rights. How arrogant! Has it not occurred to you that some are just as sure that YOUR beliefs are an affront and a threat on public and personal liberties? Yet somehow your argument rests on this: that Palin is unfair by forcing on us her beliefs, while you praise Obama for doing the same. It's disappointing that you cannot see the uneven ground on which you've chosen your battle.
A more genuine position would be to say something to the effect of: "Like Obama, Palin seems determined to support policies that agree with her personal beliefs. That's commendable, since it shows character and consistency. But I don't agree with her beliefs, so I can only hope that Palin - along with Obama and ALL of the candidates - will consider all sides before establishing policies that affect the broad public."
When you make a statement like that, we'll know two things about you. One, you're being truly fair and equally balanced. Two, you really do agree that she has the right to live out her personal beliefs as much as Obama, you or anyone else. Until then, you've undercut your own credibility.
I think we should be glad that all of these candidates are going to a church, any mainstream church, and stop picking them apart for their ministers. My grandparents attended the same church for 50 years and their adult children still attend there. People don't change sermon because of a guest speaker, or a few missteps by a pastor. My grandparents attended through many pastor changes in those 50 years
Other than the ridiculous claim that a vice president has the power to force their religious beliefs on anyone, the reality is every single law adopted in this country forces someone's beliefs on everyone.
As far as I know Christians are the majority in America.
Christianity was the cornerstone of the founding principles of this country. In fact, our Constitution was made for religious and moral people as one founder stated.
I am much more fearful of the beliefs that guide one to propose public policy that destroys human lives and dignity, destroys the foundation of society-marriage-, perpetuates a victim mentality, class, sex, and generational warfare, poverty, and destroys imagination, virtue, morality, honesty, courage and innovation. And a belief that human rights are only those granted by the state.
Why is everyone so intent on defending a woman whose own party and ticket have no faith in? Do they expect us to trust someone they obviously do not? Forget all the negative things you hear about her. The fact that her own party does not validate her by letting her speak, speaks volumes to me. It is both insulting and embarrassing.
More importantly how does it speak to McCain's good judgment that he chose someone as his running mate who is under any type of ethics investigation- especially when the charge is abuse of power? What does it say about him that he hand picked someone he does not trust enough to speak outside of a script for fear she will damage his chances of getting elected - someone he obviously does not trust to carry out the responsibilities of a running candidate for VP, knowing full well that if he is elected she may have to step into the role of President-the biggest job of all? What does this say about his "Country First" mantra? He knew she was not a serious contender when he chose her. Choosing her was a last minute desperate act to win this election. She was placed on this ticket solely for McCain's benefit -not this country's. He won't let her speak because he knows what most of us see - that even in a controlled environment she is nothing more than sarcasm and wit. His mantra should have been "Election First." He at least would still have my respect for being honest.
As a woman I am proud to have seen a woman's name on the ticket to be considered for (2) of the highest offices in our country. I am insulted in McCain's choice of woman - since he obviously doesn't intend for her to contribute in any way - other than "sit still and look pretty." My advise to her is "make sure you stock up on that lipstick you eluded to at the convention." You won't be called upon to do much else.
This is the biggest slap in the face to me as a woman -the biggest sexist move anyone in this campaign could ever make. I am disgusted.
This author is afraid Palin's religion will be forced on him? Nonsense! Christianity is not FORCED on anyone. You have a choice to accept or reject Christ. I am more afraid that a president will appoint Supreme Court Judges who will legislate from the bench instead of following the constitution. Our nation has the best Constitution in the world. I want Judges who believe in it and do their best to uphold it as it is written, not try to inject their ideas into decisions as some seem to be doing.
It's funny how people who already made up their mind about a canidate make excuses for their actions but if the opposing team does the same or similar thing they are shot down for their veiws. All of us have a right to choose our religion and this goes for Left-wing Republican Christian/Jews/Muslim as well as Right-wing Democratic Christian/Jews/Muslim-of which Obama is not. I, as a Black Democrat, applaud Palin beliefs, it is her God giving rights (not man giving rights). We all need a reality check and realize that yes her religion will influence her the same way that our environment influence us to be the people we are. Thats not to say that is always a bad thing (so yes one can be a Chicago polititian without being a crook or a Republican without being racist). I have my own reason for not voting for her and its not because of her prejudice ex-church or the fact that her daughter is a 17 year old unmarried pregnant teen (which I know that if one of Obama daughters was in that state his belief against abortion would not have been lauded but the age old prejudice and sometime racist story of teenage pregnancy and unwed motherhood would have been flung in his face). In Palin defense no one should control church period or can control teenage pregancy 100%. Not the fact that you live in a small village (I from Chicago most towns are small to me), if your father is present in the home, education, money, or that you are a White Christian female can prevent adolescent pregnancy. Even birth control is not 100% and lets not mention abstinence because I'm sure Palin's church teaches that(enough said). Therefore, no one deserve the hated belittling and beratement giving by the select public (mostly closed-minded Replublican). As the bible says ye without sin cast the first stone. In all fairness, Palin should be dogged and her ability to govern should be questioned due to her religion, just like Obama's is, regardless of how long she have been attending this church. Her church and her leader should be scrutinized to the infinite power. The fact that she is under investigation for something she accused of doing does not make her a crook, does it? We all know Vice Presidency is a step from Presidency so shouldn't her life be examine? Truthfully, this is all crazy and if we continue with this witch hunts and accusation there wont't be anyone fit to run for president because after all isn't this the country that inslaved & hung innocent Black men & women, Annihilate millions of Native American, Incarcerate innocent Japanese, Haitians, & Cubans and burned teenage women as witches. With this kind of environment everyone should be a fearmonger, close-minded, Bigot. This short history lesson of our country would make one beleive we are doomed. All of this is interesting people and should be taken into consideration but only a small part. We are more than the sums of are parts. That being said Now get off my boy Obama's back. Thanks Theresa for writing about this enlightening piece of information because it help to show us the irresponsible ideation we have about our elected officials.
"A house divided cannot stand." Do you know who said that? Abraham Lincoln. Our country is so divided by religion, race, and party affiliation - this election is just dividing the country even more so. We are all Americans first. I wish we could all come together to work together to strengthen our country, rather than always choosing sides against each other.
Good call, Teresa. People should look at Muthee's promo video where he describes hunting witches in Africa. Also, in June he prayed with Sarah that her rise to power would lead to "Christian businessmen" to follow the example of "the Israelites" and retake control of America's economy.
Haven't we had enough after eight years of being governed by a man who sees his Presidency as part of "God's plan"?
Sarah Palin is a Christian of which there is no doubt.
B Hussein Obama certainly has a lot of doubt as to his religion.
I think he is a muslim and would be a danger to this nation.
He was raised a muslim and still favors that religion. He is also anti-white and I think anti-American.
Yeah, God forbid we get someone in office adjacent to the President's Office who will be praying for him, rather than having a Sexual Predator President who is getting sex from his underage interns, while his wife is in the same building.
The Dems are depending on the fact that a large number of people cannot read well enough to be able to research the subject of Palin's history as a politician.
Those same people get on the news and say one sentence, one sound bite, and a whole bunch of undereducated people become AFRAID and vote for a guy who says all the things they want to hear, even though it's all lies. But, because their favorite talk show hostess endorses him, they'll vote for him.
You must also believe everything that Rep Alcee Hastings says;
"Democratic Congressman Warns Jews, Blacks to Beware of Palin
Florida Rep. Alcee Hastings on Wednesday warned two minority groups to beware of Sarah Palin because "anybody toting guns and stripping moose don't care too much about what they do with Jews and blacks."
Look at the kind of person Rep Hastings is;
"In 1981, Hastings was charged with accepting a $150,000 bribe in exchange for a lenient sentence and a return of seized assets for 21 counts of racketeering by Frank and Thomas Romano, and of perjury in his testimony about the case. He was acquitted by a jury after his alleged co-conspirator, William Borders, refused to testify in court (resulting in a jail sentence for Borders).
In 1988, the Democratic-controlled U.S. House of Representatives took up the case, and Hastings was impeached for bribery and perjury by a vote of 413-3. Voters to impeach included Democratic Representatives Nancy Pelosi, Steny Hoyer, John Conyers and Charles Rangel. He was then convicted in 1989 by the United States Senate, becoming the sixth federal judge in the history of the United States to be removed from office by the Senate. The vote on the first article was 69 for and 26 opposed, providing five votes more than the two-thirds of those present that were needed to convict. The first article accused the judge of conspiracy. Conviction on any single article was enough to remove the judge from office. The Senate vote cut across party lines, with Senator Patrick J. Leahy, Democrat of Vermont voting to convict his fellow party member, and Arlen Specter voting to acquit.[1]
The Senate had the option to forbid Hastings from ever seeking federal office again, but did not do so. Alleged co-conspirator, attorney William Borders went to jail again for refusing to testify in the impeachment proceedings, but was later given a full pardon by Bill Clinton on his last day in office.[2]
Hastings filed suit in federal court claiming that his impeachment trial was invalid because he was tried by a Senate committee, not in front of the full Senate, and that he had been acquitted in a criminal trial. Judge Stanley Sporkin ruled in favor of Hastings, remanding the case back to the Senate, but stayed his ruling pending the outcome of an appeal to the Supreme Court in a similar case regarding Judge Walter Nixon, who had also been impeached and removed.[3]
Sporkin found some "crucial distinctions"[4] between Nixon's case and Hastings', specifically, that Nixon had been convicted criminally, and that Hastings was not found guilty by two-thirds of the committee who actually "tried" his impeachment in the Senate. He further added that Hastings had a right to trial by the full Senate.
The Supreme Court, however, ruled in Nixon v. United States that the federal courts have no jurisdiction over Senate impeachment matters, so Sporkin's ruling was vacated and Hastings' conviction and removal were upheld."
God forbid we should have a praying VP in the White House,,,
unlike the President who used the oval office as a sexual predator to obtain sex from interns, while his wife was in the same building!
Funny, how all the supporters of abortion were BORN ALIVE.
Well, not funny, tragic!
I'm glad I chose not to work in a hospital where children who are "accidentally" born alive as result of an expulsion abortion, and left to die without comfort measures, medical care, in a soiled laundry room.
If Obama can push for that to happen, what would he do to you?
NOONE expects the Spanish Inquisition ...
INAW
David Brickner on his website refutes this mis-characterization of what he said at:
http://jewsforjesus.org/publications/realtime/63/01
I am a democrat voting republican. Sarah Palins religious views are an issue, because I am totally against 3rd trimester abortions.
As a nurse, I would like to have everyone witness these and then say they are ok, to let a baby die in a utility room.
I am more frightened over the influence Obama had with his pastor.
So the Repulicans and anyone else who think they are so 'righteous' and is voting for the McCain/Palin ticket because they are God fearing. This is what you are voting for:
http://www.thepoliticalhub.com/list/19.aspx
1. Sarah's ties to troopergate scandal
2. Sarah's asscoiation with sessionist movement- Alaskan Independence Party.
3. Sarah's 'bridge to nowhere', she was for it before she was against it, but she was nice enough to keep the $200 mil of our tax money anyway.
4. McCain's association with cheating Keating 5.
5. McCain's association with anti-semite Nazi group.
6. His association with Jack Abrahmoff.
7. His association with AZ land developer and McCain fund raiser. McCain aided this McCain crony in the land swap of federal land deal in return for bundling campaign contributions.
8. His running mate Sarah Palin's asscoiation with sessionist movement- Alaskan Independence Party.
9. McCain's for sex escapedes.
10. McCain's ties to Gambling (giving huge tax breaks to casinos and he is known to be a lifelong gambler).
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/28/us/politics/28gambling-web.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1
and the final nail in the coffin for the McCain/Palin ticket...
11. His voting record, voted the same way with the least popular president in our history, Bush, 90% of the times over the last 8 years...and 100% so far this year.
Senator Joe Biden is so right when he said today that McSame is no Maverick, all he is, is a 'sidekick' to the lame president we have now!!!!!