truthshines

11/16/2004 06:07:51 PM

Secular here in this article is used to describe atheists, agnostics and those indifferent to religion. I have always found fault with this liberal tendency. To me secular in NOT non-religious. To be secular also is to be religious and spiritual. The difference being it is not exclusively just for the religious and spiritual, but also for atheists, agnostics and those who are indifferent to religion. That to me is the real difference between secular and the religious right. Secular is the religious PLUS others (INCLUSIVE). The religious right is only them and their one particular religion (EXCLUSIVE). To be the secular party is to be the multireligious party that accepts atheists, agnostics andthe indifferent.

truthshines

11/16/2004 05:59:24 PM

Question I have is when the Pew Poll asked people if they attended church more than once a week, did they specifically asked about church? Or did they adjust their poll question when they came across a person who was Jewish, Muslims, Hindu, Buddhist, Shinto, etc and asked if they regularly attended their particular house of worship more than once a week. Also, how applicable is to ask a person of a faith that does not require weekly attendance if they attended their house of worship more than once a week. For those people temple or so attendance may not be the right measure of devotion. Perhaps all the poll shows is that in a religion that requires at least weekly attendance and of people who particularly follow Christianity, those people voted for Bush.

truthshines

11/16/2004 05:51:51 PM

Regarding the poll "which party is more religion friendly" I think that the Republicans are more right wing Christian friendly while the Democrats are more pluralistic and are center and left wing Christian friendly and more friendly to people of non-Abrahamic faiths.

cloud-eagle

11/07/2004 04:05:37 AM

Correction, I don't know most teenagers. The ones I know are more responsible than Bush and his co-horts.

cloud-eagle

11/07/2004 04:04:35 AM

And so it is. Rejoin the human race pre-Bush asap. We the people do not need Government any longer in America. Diebold machines manufactured and run by Republicans without a paper trail is just another word for chads and lies and deceit. Black Box Voting failed us. Big money failed us. We can do better.

cloud-eagle

11/07/2004 04:02:16 AM

This chasm is that Bush wants to do whatever he wants -- like most teenagers. He is totally irresponsible and corrupt. And he is a puppet (though his family is a family of power (not from God). People want peace, fair wages, Truth, low cost housing, inexpensive quality food, free healthy clean water, and clean fresh air and a stop to fossil fuels.

cloud-eagle

11/07/2004 03:58:40 AM

The God gulf is the chasm of honor in the Republican party and mindset. Democrats are more honest, generous, compassionate and kind. Democratic leaders care about all the people not just the rich corporations at the top of the food chain. The media consistently lies. Can't get truth from the media. Truth ain't out there it's in here (points to area of the heart!!!, You'ss ee Republicans pointing to the heart but missing it entirely and point instead to the "human power place" the solar plexus -- fun to watch on TV. The heart is higher. Democrats are higher. Serve all. Rather than just themselves. The people need to lead rather than corporations who own Republicans and Democrats.

themarirev

09/19/2004 11:52:39 AM

As a person who watches a number of different church services from various parts of the United States, I feel one of the reasons those who attend services are more likely to vote is because of the way the pulpit is used for political rhetoric. It no longer seems enough to sing Gods praises and study scripture. It has become a need for control and power over everyone else. Very few work for God anymore but indeed feel called to do "Gods work", as if God hasn't the ability to do what God feels needs done. A truly lack of faith in my opinion. The irony of this being the only reason there are so many Christain denominations is do to a lack of agreement over what are seen as relevant issues of scriptural interpretation. If everyone agreed, there would be no need for more then one denomination. That goes for all the Abrahamic religions. Cont...

themarirev

09/19/2004 11:52:03 AM

Cont... Church attendence has gone down because our enlightenment has risen. We know God is everywhere and "church" is a state of spirituality, not a building. God is global, not regional. If a poll of 2.5 million people were taken, that would still only be one percent of this country and just another reason the electoral college should be abolished. There has yet to be a poll of this size unless you included the census. I have more faith in God then I do polls. I have alot more faith in Christ then I do Christians. Rev

dpatel1511

07/30/2004 12:01:25 AM

The poll right next to this posting is totally wrong in what it ask about which party is more religion-friendly. Both parties are not friendly at all. For example, Republicans are mostly White Anglo-Saxon Protestant people. Their religious beliefs are mostly Christianity. But many of these people are against Islam, Hindu, Buddhist, and other religions because it is not Christianity. Democrats are mostly based upon by the liberals who are more to acceptance of 'other' religions rather than Christianity. For example, ACLU fights all the time against any encroachment of Christianity in the public forum, but if the Koran is read in the classrooms, and then ACLU would not say much about religious encroachment. So, both parties are not religious-friendly. People who voted more for Republicans must need to look further down besides their own beliefs, such as for Democrats.

Rigel5740

07/28/2004 04:38:24 AM

A person's actions are far more important than a person's professed beliefs. Democrats may not profess much religious belief, but they are on the whole far, far more moral. Republicans merely use religion and "values" as a cover for their pro-wealth, anti-work agenda, just as terrorists use Islam for their agenda. They've prioritized tax cuts and cuts in combat pay and veterans benefits over our national security in a time of war. They've taken billions in taxpayer money and given it to pharmeceutical companies thus actually raising the price of prescription drugs for seniors. No American is fooled by bin Laden's religious rhetoric. It's time people stop being fooled by Bush's.

orthodox1259

07/11/2004 08:44:14 PM

Hi purpleku69, Well, actually Christian republicans care about salvation. They use the scripture as a path to leaven their faith. What is not mentioned in this article is that church-going Christians are also more likely to give generously of their time and money to both secular and sacred institutions.

purpleku69

06/27/2004 06:06:34 PM

Christian Republicans only care about one thing, THEMSELVES. They MUST be right, and have the only voice. Anyone else is anathama, or a heretic, as witnessed by the Southern Baptist shift in the past 25 years. Religious orthodoxy is their test for everything, and whatever is less than "pure" is EVIL. Hell of a way to run a democracy, if you ask me.

jontemplar

05/18/2004 11:47:14 AM

Hootie - Al Franken asked that question of Ronald Reagan as the weekend news updata correspondent for SNL. After Reagan responded, Al said, "I guess its really just a matter of timing then."

Tyranus

03/21/2004 01:59:22 PM

Seems to me that the discussion is poorly outlined to begin with. Democrats are less likely to be Christian, yes, but not less religious. Why is religion almost completely synonomous with Christianity?

rabbit-usa

03/10/2004 01:23:18 PM

A relationship...yes, that's exactly how I would describe my connection to The Goddess. Paganism isn't a religion, it's a relationship. Cool.

imdancin

02/11/2004 04:48:34 PM

Christianity isnt a religion, it is a relationship.

hootie1fan

02/11/2004 03:14:02 PM

Why do we allow politicians who are anti-abortion and pro-death call themselves pro-life? One can not morally claim the title "pro life" when they support the death penalty.

ChangeMinister

02/09/2004 08:47:01 PM

Faith is nothing without love; actions speak louder than words. Do not let yourself be deluded by any religious or political leaders who claim they are doing God’s Will and yet proceed to selectively destroy some forms of life. I am not sure how can one be pro-life and yet be for the death penalty. Here are more serious issues facing us in this election: preserving the environment so future generations have clean air and water and actively working toward world peace. This is the 21st Century but we are still living like barbarians we just look cleaner. Vote based on truth not impressions. Vote for our shared future.

FCAcoach

02/09/2004 06:50:08 PM

A difference between Christianity and religion is who is trusted. A religion is ripe with works to achieve a salvation, and therefore requires a trust in oneself to achieve a status, level or position in order to gain God's favor. Christianity on the other hand, is about an acknowledgement that one is incapable of saving one's self, and that no amount of works can change God's opinion on that. Religion places burdens on it's believers. Christianity sets a person free from burdens. One is a burden lifter, and the other is a burden maker. That is a main difference between the two.

FCAcoach

02/09/2004 06:41:47 PM

I think it is ignorant to think that all Republicans are Christians. They obviously are not all Christians. Some are. I believe there may be some Democrats that are Christian, and don't understand some main issues of what their Party platform stands for. There is a difference between religion and Christianity. Many Christians do not attend a weekly service at a church building. Among Christian religionists there are some 800 diverse groups.

maggieno

02/09/2004 12:37:35 PM

Since when is "religious" equated with "going to a Christian church?" Plenty of people are religious who aren't Christian.

filmore

02/09/2004 10:58:24 AM

The "Christian" right, which in a number of instances is neither, has adopted the Republican party as their own and obviously see it as the clearest channel to acomplish their moral agenda. If it weren't so devious and calculated, I would find the actions of Karl Rove and other white house stategists comical. The way they use these people to their advantage is sad. It is just another example of how the power elete will stop at nothing to maintain their position. What we need are more people of faith like former Mayor of Kansas City Emanual Clever to step forward and take action. He announced yesterday he is running for congress as a Democrat. js

happynewjew

02/09/2004 07:26:35 AM

Also, as i discussed in a recent d'var Torah (Torah commentary) i was privileged to give at my synagogue, I asked rhetorically whether many of the Christians who were lobbying in favor of retaining the 10 Commandments at the courthouse in Alabama had actually READ the distinctly parochial full text of these commandments in Hebrew Bible. Speaking of Alabama, it seems that the brave governor (who is a Christian who ACTS on his faith) seems to understand the Bible much better than many of his religious right "friends". Anyone heard of the Sabbath of Years, or the Jubilee Year? He is taking a lot of flak for trying to reform one of the most regressive state tax systems that exists in this country. He is living his faith. Good for him.

happynewjew

02/09/2004 07:17:13 AM

As a Jew, i find it offensive that repeatedly in public references from politics to pop culture that "church-going" and Christianity are used as the unique measure of religious expression. If a poll asked me how often i go to church, the answer would be rarely (only for life-cycle events of Christian friends); however, you would find me in shul usually 2-3 times a week. To equate non-Christian with secularism is offensive. Ask most Jews and Muslims what political party they are going to vote for.

PamelaCashMiller

02/09/2004 12:16:29 AM

LivingEZ123- I am offended by your obvious slap at the Roman Catholics who believe in the Virgin birth of Mary. If, as you stated, you have studied various religions, then, I would certainly expect you to have more respect for others beliefs. Your statement had nothing to do with the topic being discussed..why the slam? Just another case of Catholic bashing? Why? If the idea of a virgin birth gives you pause, then how does the thought of continuing to be born again into this world until YOU GET IT RIGHT set with you? Perhaps you should continue studing religions until you learn some tolerance for others religious beliefs whatever they may be. Enlightenment is the goal for such studies. You don't seem to be there yet.Keep trying!

bamagnus

02/08/2004 11:55:50 PM

I dont believe that political parties have anything to do with a person's religious belief, now philosophy is different. I believe that so called liberals may be lacking in belief as a Christian, again, conservatives, may find a great er percentage of their philosophy are Christians. Going to church doesnt mean that you are devout in your belief, me, I truly am a born again Christian but I do miss church quite often. Dont habg labels on people...

arguta

02/08/2004 10:51:28 PM

... I'm also a Democrat, I'm very spiritual and believe very much that love and forgiveness are the keys to the kingdom. When Jesus was in his physical form, he spent a lot of time telling people the organization was not where it was at. He even trounced a Temple for good measure. I think the important thing is that our hearts be open and try to hear the other person, even if we don't agree.

arguta

02/08/2004 10:49:50 PM

In reading ikan1954, I had to pause for a dry chuckle. I suppose that it is a strange thing to see liberal viewpoints expressed. Our television coverage is so immersed in coverage of and hommage to the right (CNN, FOX, MSN) that it most be a bit unusual to see the same thing coming from the left. But there are strong view points on both sides, there just aren't as many forums for what used to be called the left. As far as religion in politics, I would guess that church goers, as a general rule, do tend to vote more. Folks who are used to organizing and joining organizations would be more prone to vote. According to this poll, more people who attend organized religion are Republicans and the organized religion they most likely are a part of is Christianity. I myself am a follower or Christ, but I would not under any circumstance, call myself a Christian nor would I attend a Christian Church....

ikan1954

02/08/2004 09:18:26 PM

I don't care what political party you follow or participate in. I do question the comments regarding our president and the hate that is expressed by those that say they have religious beliefs. Why is it that the hate of the modern liberal philosphy for those they disagree with also come with the stereotype that republicans are greedy, hateful and do not care for the poor. I think we all want the same things we just have different opinions on how to accomplish them. I do not know who is more religious, Dems or Rep, but I get the impression from this site and those that I know that are liberal that there is no tolerence for other points of view. May we find a better way to express our displeasure with those we do not agree with. Or I fear the end results.

Starrrrr

02/08/2004 07:56:55 PM

If abortion and gay rights were the only two reasons American citizens support either party, I might have agreed with. Although I think it's important to recognize that there are many people who have differing views regarding the morality and legality of abortion and homosexuality. Having sex out of marriage may be wrong, for example, but I don't believe I have the right to throw you in prison for it. This is all besides the point. There are many people who vote Republican because they love guns; because they don't want to pay for social programs that help people; because they are hostile to racial diversity. These things have nothing to do with Christ. There are also people who vote Democrat not for abortion rights, but to focus more on fixing domestic problems than waging war on other nations. To use abortion and gays as a way of "proving" that the Republican party is somehow more Christian than the Democratic party is, at best, naive; at worst, incredibly deceptive.

FCAcoach

02/08/2004 01:46:15 PM

The use of the concept of life after death as an indicator of Christianity is not sound. Hindus believe in life after death. This was poor example in an attempt to "prove" something. The fact remains that the Democrats include two underlying parts of their party platform will separate Christians from their party. The use of abortion as an acceptable form of birth control, and the attack on the God ordained institution of marriage - through gay "rights". Both of these serve to separate Christians from non-Christians. There is a difference between a professing Christian and a Christian. Anyone can call themselves a Christian. In Acts 5:32 the identifying sign says that those with God's Holy Spirit are Christians. All others can say whatever they want. I can call myself a zebra, but it doesn't make me one.

krschmitz

02/08/2004 12:49:13 AM

I know one Christian who wouldn't vote Republican based on their policies towards the poor and their greed which belies any spirituality whatsoever -- Jesus Christ.

davidhoward

02/08/2004 12:04:55 AM

The really scary aspect of this article is the data on belief in the afterlife. You've got well over nine out of ten Republicans AND Democrats (94% and 92% respectively) who have yet to enter the 18th century. I seriously doubt that numbers like that will appear in any other advanced democracy. I'll bet we'd give even Saudi Arabia and India a run for their money. In the US, superstitions that were expected to fade with the advent of literacy persist in the most mind-boggling ways. Consider the Georgia "educators" who just last week wanted to ban the use of the word "evolution" in textbooks. How do we stay so stupid?

tawonda

02/07/2004 06:29:05 PM

Weighing in: Another active churchgoer who happens to be a card-carrying Democrat.

Starrrrr

02/07/2004 06:09:18 PM

the difference is legitimate and representative of the actuality of the "God Gulf". I'm sorry, but the "God gulf" you speak of is not an actuality; it's a perception, and a pretty false one at that. Unless we speak of outward observance of organized religion (in which case, I might concede a significant difference) dicipleship is neither limited to nor indicated by political affiliation. The misconception that Democrats are unfaithful or unchurched could be easily accompanied by one that Republicans are hard-hearted and hateful. Both misconceptions can easily be backed up by poll numbers and personal observations. Regardless, they are false.

NewLung4Me

02/07/2004 02:48:48 PM

I readily concede my family is but a small sample, but i feel the difference is legitimate and representative of the actuality of the "God Gulf". Regarding the comment about cutting overtime, the higher income government workers (like my sister)lost overtime while the lower income government workers became eligible for overtime. The rule change benefited the lowest income workers at the expense of the more comfortable.

cdgargus

02/07/2004 02:42:32 PM

... abortion, gay marriage..the battle cry of a Republican President and Congress who has done NOTHING to change it in their 4 years of control. How can anyone possibly bring up that the Republicans have the moral ground on such issues...4 years of control and what have they done? How many pulpits do you hear leading the call for change now? NONE! It was every churchs battle cry for the last election..but where is the pressure on the elected to deliver on those issues? I dont agree with abortion or gay marriage. I also know my God gave us choices, he never dictated morality, he preached it as a better life. If God did not dictate such morality why do we think we can legislate it? I cant force anyone to live my Christian beliefs. I can live my life in a way that makes them want to follow my lead. That is what my God did. We will never legislate morality, we can however feed the hungry, help the homeless, and offer true Christian Compassion...also things my God suggested.

cdgargus

02/07/2004 02:20:21 PM

Why is the Republican Party usually associated with the Moral Right? The Democratic Party stands for the social programs that tend to help the less fortunate- It appears that the Democratic is one of compassion- yet the Republican is the one preached in most pulpits. Do we know what the candidate is for or do we blindly follow what is said from the pulpit. In my area it is the later. "How can a party which has Christian values propose cuts in the programs which many less fortunate survive on. How can a Christian reduce the dollars spent on welfare. How can a Christian want to eliminate overtime pay? How can a Christian cut title one programs for our schools? How many "Christians" argue there are no hungry people in our country, how welfare is a "give away program". Perhaps if we Christians spent more time actually working in our communties and less time preaching about it- Then it would not matter whether we were Democrat or Republican.

Starrrrr

02/07/2004 11:14:53 AM

Your family is not a representative sample of the United States. If we could look at my family members to determine the characteristics of all Americans, men would all be abusive Catholic alcoholics. I am a Christian, read the Bible regularly, and do not vote Republican.

NewLung4Me

02/07/2004 10:08:51 AM

My large family is split between Republicans and Democrats. The GOP members attend church regularly, read the Bible and give generously to charities. The Dem members seldom if ever attend church, never read the Bible and figure their taxes is charity enough. My Dem father believes that Darwinism proves God does not exist. In my family, if the Dem members believe in God at all, they don't appear to let that belief affect their lives in any meaningful way. So I see a huge difference between the parties regarding religion.

ozero

02/07/2004 06:29:15 AM

Church and State or, perhaps more correctly, Religion and Nationalism have always been connected. One uses the other. Stalin brought back the Orthodox Church during the war, because he needed it. I've heard several conservative Christians claim that America is now God's special country, that the founders were led by God almost the same way that the bible writers were. The schisms within Christianity, except perhaps for the plethora of "protestant" denominations of the last few centuries, were motivated by nationalism rather than real religious differences. My question is who is controlling whom in America today?

serafaith

02/06/2004 09:57:13 PM

I believe these days that politics and religion are almost one in the same. Either you care about those less fortunate and would give a little of what you have to help them, and maybe even humbly realize that it could be you. You could be the one out of a job and who would fight for you? Really, what it comes down to is, are we really helping make this country a better place for ourselves and our people? Isn't that one primary function that religion serves? Are we forgiving, moving forward onto betterthings and better ways, or are we gonn stay stuck in this rut of each man for himself. Are we not one nation under God? Are we not brothers?

moabear

02/06/2004 08:30:16 PM

A quick note. I'm a UU and a strong Democrat who wants Bush out. A good friend at work calls herself a conservative Christian, I almost went into shock when she said that she "hated" Bush. We have a lest a few Republicans at my church, one is a very good friend. So all this means your religion does not always follow your politics. I just wish Christians would stop trying to make us a "Christian" nation when we never have been or will be.

emlt

02/06/2004 07:26:38 PM

What a relief. I usually hate to read these posts because of the ranting and raving. It's nice to know that thoughtful and thinking christians are making politicaldecisions. I've always been a christian and declare a party affiliation only to vote in primaries. The religious right does seem to love the law and forget the gospel. Oh how sad that they forget Gods love and grace in favor for legalism and judgementalism.

penkatali

02/05/2004 06:17:53 AM

Jimmy Carter, a Democrat, was the most personally pious Christian president we've ever had. However, the so-called religious right organized to replace him with the non-religious, non-church-attending Reagan. This is why I don't believe the religious right's claim to piety in governance. It's all about their agenda to take power and nothing to do with actual faith.

LivingEZ123

02/05/2004 01:20:06 AM

I have made a study of religion. I decided I would keep an open mind. I was looking for the truth wherever it took me. I wanted something that was in conformance with the world as I understood it through modern sciene and scholarship. I suggest others take a look outside faith. It has been blind faith that has caused so much evil in this world. Faiths truths keep changing. I find many people study hard to learn ignorance. By the way, virgin biths are performed today. They are called clones. The child is the genetic twin of the parent. If Mary had a virgin birth her clone was a women.

lorrie4christ

02/04/2004 09:43:31 PM

I know I am on a roll, but I have a few other things to say before leaving. Christians, stop being so quick to judge. I have never met anyone on this earth who was perfect. This understanding (via bible, etc.) has made it easier for me not to throw stones at an imperfect person. Clinton made mistakes and so has Bush. Who are we to judge whose sin is worse. Sin is sin. It always amazes me that God called David a man after his own heart (paraphrasing). We would have stoned him. We need to examine our hearts and find forgiveness for the shortcomings of others. Being from the south, I see far to much separateness. It is sad. I wish more people wanted to make God happy. If we did, we would be more tolerant of others. Note: I do not believe in homosexuality. However, I cannot hate gays. I love them. Remember, God hates sin and not the sinner. God is love.

lorrie4christ

02/04/2004 09:35:01 PM

Selfiemiyou and others, It never fails to amaze me that Christians can become so hostile over politics. What does that say about us. Until we can come together as brothers and sisters in Christ, it matters little what name we call ourselves. One thing I really want to know is: Are you Christian, Democrat or Republican. Which is most important? I had one person tell me: Christians will vote for Bush. This is really sad. How can a person possibility determine whether a person is christian by political party. I do not agree totally with either party. I choose a candidate strictly by who will be a president for all the people (Rich, Poor, Jews and Gentile).

sinsonte

02/04/2004 05:59:52 PM

lucilius, I basically agree with you, but I would say the attempt to codify Judeo-Christian beliefs has been the hobbyhorse of conservatives -- Republican and Democrat. All the great social movements of our time, civil riqhts, women's rights, gay riqhts, have been labled as godless by voices on both sides of the aisle.

lucilius

02/04/2004 04:48:12 PM

Sorry, "caused." Momentarily lost my past tense there.

lucilius

02/04/2004 04:46:52 PM

"All I can say is woe to those that depend on polls for information" – especially when their results disagree with what you believe, eh, Bravo88? I think the article is pretty close to correct, but I'd state its conclusions differently. I would say the apparent gulf is cause because too often open zealotry is mistaken for being the only form of religiosity. Democrats are not necessarily less religious, but they are less likely to try to impose their religious beliefs on others – especially through the legal machinery of the state. Legislating a particular conservative-Christian morality has long been a Republican hobbyhorse.

Bravo88

02/04/2004 03:43:58 PM

All I can say is woe to those that depend on polls for information. How do they know that the poll responses are even truthful? They don't and there may be any number of people whom deceive themselves about their faith or religion. As long as lying is a possibility in a question response, (especially in the area of faith or religion), polls on faith and religion will be questionable. All one has to do to find an example of a religious person lying is to look in the Bible in the New Testament; the Pharisee who prayed to GOD about how good he was. He thanked GOD that he was not like "others"; not realizing his true condition before GOD.

lucilius

02/04/2004 02:20:54 PM

Happykaffir: "SInce when had someone on the left cared a w(h)it about the deficit? Or the national debt?" Well, Bill Clinton was certainly no leftist – but BushCo. did their best to paint him as one, so he'll serve as evidence for you. Balanced budgets and paying down the debt under Clinton – record deficits and mammoth debt under Bush. But not for "liberal" causes. Rather, the money's going for inflated military spending and pork to his (and Dick Cheney's) corporate buddies, not the people who could actually use it. Couple that with whopping tax cuts for the super-rich and you've got classic right-wing economics: those who have, get fatter; those who don't, work harder to feed them; and today's tax giveaway to your cronies is more important than the next generation's subsistence.

john073052

02/04/2004 02:14:01 PM

Remember, the Roman Government killed Jesus to "preserve public order". "Render unto Caeser what is Caeser's, render unto God what is God's."

MoeLarryAndJesus

02/04/2004 12:31:16 PM

Happykaffir, I'm not on the left and I do care about the deficit, and I do know the difference between the deficit and the national debt, despite your hamhanded and pointless sarcasm. Now run along and play with your imaginary friend. (By the way, it's "cared a WHIT," not "wit," though I doubt you have the wit to notice the difference.

SelfieMiyu

02/04/2004 12:19:28 PM

Dearest Happykaffir, Please don't attempt to dictate to me what are legitimate debate tactics. Your leadership throws up straw men at every turn, attempting to distract and obfuscate what is really happening to their finances, their families and their futures. Tell me how a debate about sexuality feeds one American, clothes one American, creates a job for one American or provides health care for one American. it does not. Who is it that continues to bring cultural issues to the table instead of REAL issues? The republicans. Why? To distract. Unions fight to protect the rights of workers against the feudal lords that would just as soon farm out work to sweatshop labor in countries with horrific human rights and environmental records. The Republican party is the party of feudalism.

happykaffir

02/04/2004 12:18:20 PM

MoeLarryandJesus, SInce when had someone on the left cared a wit about the deficit? Or the national debt, (not that you're likely to know the dif)? Sadly Bush is acting like a glorious liberal president- funding every major liberal pork project in ways the left only dreamed possible. I am so tired of the double standard- these things are acceptable when a Democrat is in office but not when a Republican is- talk about mindless foot-soldiers. In fact it is on the right that Bush might be in for trouble- you see conservatives do not worship politicians as the left does...if they betray us-perjer themselves etc we tend to walk away...Bush's liberal kiss-up policies are jeopardizing him..and the typical hypocrisy of the left means that they wont help him either..

happykaffir

02/04/2004 12:13:49 PM

SelfieMiyu, I find it interesting that the left in this country goes to overused unfounded and cliched attacks against the right- as if factless accusation is good enough to justify your one-sidedness. The Left is as corporate friendly as the right- this is fact. It however is also very union-LEADERSHIP friendly and loves the trial lawyers. I would not smear the right over LEftist playbook crud...either address both sides fairly or say nothing on the subject. The fact is- debate is about facts not smears...and that is a tactic too many of you are willing to employ.

SelfieMiyu

02/04/2004 12:08:06 PM

It's a clear tactic of the right for one reason and one reason only - they want to retain their power over a cheap and frightened labor force - so while they distract the populace with inane debates over what heppens in ordinary people's bedrooms, they are blissfully unaware of the crimes taking place in the board rooms. The Republican party is the party of big business, not the party of the American People.

MoeLarryAndJesus

02/04/2004 11:59:31 AM

Oh, look - the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court just came down in favor of actual gay marriage. Look for the Dumbya-loving yahoos to make this THE major issue against Kerry, the presumptive Democratic nominee. Sure, Dumbya is bankrupting the country and presiding over a pointless war with no end in sight, but GAY MARRIAGE scares them! Idiots, all of them.

SelfieMiyu

02/04/2004 10:50:19 AM

Baggins - I have observed reality - hence my post. Why do you righties always assume that we lefties haven't already read, learned and understood your position and still fully reject it for the lack of compassion and humanity it engenders? Mighty presumptuous of you. I know what Smith has to say. I also know thqt what he has to say is cruel, inhumane, and against what my faith teaches. have a nice day.

b-baggins

02/04/2004 10:12:54 AM

SelfieMiyu, Wow. You really need to get your head out of that Marxist handbook you carry around and observe reality for a bit. How about a little Adam Smith to get you back on balance.

SelfieMiyu

02/04/2004 09:04:09 AM

Lorrie, You make such an excellent point. WHen I head to the voting booth, what is on my mind is which candidate best represents what I care about - social justice - caring for the poor, the sick, the unfortunate. How the Republicans can claim they are the Godly party when they routinely support policies that are great for businesses and horrible for people is beyond me. Sure, the Republicans do benefit their constituencies - what people fail to realize is, unless you are one of the feudal lords of our system, you are NOT the Republicans' constituency. They do not care about you as a person - would as soon see you starve in the street than support a program that would feed you or house you. Remember that at the polls. Blessed are the meek. Woe unto the Pharisees.

lorrie4christ

02/04/2004 08:56:36 AM

We forget that Jesus was not a politician. This is something that many of the people he preached to found hard to accept. They wanted a warrior not someone who told them to love their neighbor. Jesus said he came not to minister to the saint but to the sinner (paraphrasing). In showing love and compassion we can win souls to Christ. How do Christians know what is just some might argue. If you are a Christian, pick up your bible and read it. Anything or behavior (sin) that goes outside of what God says is right is what I am against. I consider myself to be neither a Democrat nor a Republican. I am a CHRISTIAN! I look for a candidate who shows strength and commitment to all of God’s people. I look for one who is more concerned with doing what is right and not pleasing a certain political party. After all, God has no respect for person. If God has no respect for person, why are Christians so determined to separate themselves through political parties.

mleger

02/04/2004 08:44:48 AM

right on! MoeLarryandJesus

MoeLarryAndJesus

02/04/2004 08:30:59 AM

It's almost amusing to see how consistently the Dumbya Bush administration sucks up to the right-wing fundamentalists who are its most dependable supporters. The gay-bashing, the pretense that abortion is an issue Bush cares about, the absurd "faith-based charities" push - Dumbya's handlers play the right-wingers like an accordion.

mleger

02/04/2004 08:29:06 AM

"the fabled religious right" ? you mean it's a fable that these yahoos have kidnapped the entire country, so that gwb is actually considered a sentient being because he mouths pharisaical platitudes?

SelfieMiyu

02/04/2004 08:21:22 AM

they preserve something alright.........abortion and murdering the unborn..........if you think that is a noble cause, Freedom to choose what to do with one's own body IS, in fact, a noble cause. People who wish to exert their will over others would scarcely accept such treatment in matters of their OWN choices - just in the choices of others. Perhaps one day someone will choose for them where they are allowed to worship. Then watch how fast freedom of choice becomes important to the Republicans. Republicans can keep religiosity - "doing one's duty" by appearing in a house set aside for societal networking, class discrimination, and political re-alignment with the "correct" cause du jour (and maybe a little God talk thrown in). Some people prefer to have a REAL relationship with their creator - not one for the see and be seen set.

mightymountaingorilla

02/04/2004 12:27:29 AM

To answer the poll question, I would say that republicans are much more Christian-friendly, and that Democrats are more nonChristian-friendly. Yes, this is speaking very broadly and making huge generalizations, but that's sorta what this poll is asking us to do. Anyway, I do think that this generalization is also has a lot of truth to it. The reason most democrats don't speak about Christianity so boldly and firmly is because many of their constituents are atheists, scientists (many of whom tend to be atheists), gay people, people who are from other ethnicities (and religions), and different economic backgrounds. What frustrates me most about democrat politicians, though, is that they're not consistent. For example: while many of them support gay rights, almost all don't support gay marriage. Huh? You really can't play it both ways. At least Republicans are consitent on the issues, even if their views tend to be a little less than progressive. Oh well, I'm glad that I'm not either.

imdancin

02/03/2004 10:46:56 PM

the democratic party is just as corrupt, if not more than the republican party............so dream on, they preserve something alright.........abortion and murdering the unborn..........if you think that is a noble cause, then I pity you...........

gwelt

02/03/2004 10:32:13 PM

By stridently defending the seperation of church and state, the Democratic party preserves the integrity of ALL religions Christianity included. I fear that if the Republican party had it's way we would be a Fundamentalist theocracy instead of the Democracy that we are.

fromoz

02/03/2004 07:29:15 PM

Most people feel "spiritual" - and as Christianity is tied to our cultures - that's where most people conveniently hang their "spirituality". The results generally weren't surprising?