Religion and politics

"...no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States." -- U.S. Constitution Article VI

It seems to me, as I look at the Republican primaries that the race has, to many voters, become a religious struggle rather than a political one. We have Rick Santorum, the right wing conservative Christian against the Mormon Mitt Romney. And it would appear that in many places it is the candidates religious beliefs that are the only thing guiding the voters. In the south and other areas generally considered "Christian" the ultra conservative Christians can't imagine a "Cult member Mormon" representing them.

At the same time many of the moderates and independent voters can't bare the thought of a conservative Christian candidate. So what I am seeing is a race that is focusing on the religious beliefs of the candidates rather than on what they might stand for politically, or if they have a chance of winning in November.

I think as voters, especially if you are a Republican, or a conservative independent, you must look at the constitution (quoted above) and put aside the religious test, and ask yourself if the candidate you choose has a chance of winning in the fall, and does his politics reflect what you want from a leader.

While I feel a leader should have a strong moral background, we need to see that it is not the Presidents job to dictate the Morals of the nation. The President should lead the nation morally, but not lead the nations morality. Hopefully that makes sense to you. I think we need to find a candidate who lives his life by his moral convictions, but realize that we need to live our lives by our own convictions.

So basically what I'm saying if you are torn between Romney and Santorum, do not make the decision based on the candidates religious affiliation. Vote for the candidate who you feel best represents your political goals, and the candidate you feel can win in November. Doing otherwise is a vote for Obama. And if you are saying, "oh. I don't like either of them" you are giving a vote to Obama.

And finally a message to my more liberal friends. I am asking you, as you approach the November election to ask yourself honestly if Obama has turned out to be all you hoped for, or just another political disappointment. Ask yourself if you are happier now, and better off now than you were 10 years ago, or if you are old enough to remember, than you were in the 80's. Do you get the "change" you "hoped" for. If you answer these questions with a "no" then it might be time to say "Nobama in 2012" ...just a thought.