look at what's going on!

**leslie flenner** · 04-24-2004, 10:18 PM

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uselection...201933,00.html

**lat192004** · 04-25-2004, 01:14 AM

I read this article once before Leslie. I'm not born again, not right wing Christian, if I had a religion, it would be Universal Unitarian. With all these born again, right wing Christians in office, would this affect me and my freedoms. Would I be subjected to something like the Inquisitions of the middle ages to conform to our present administrations beliefs. The First Amendmant is so vague about separation of Church and State that there is no protection from this administration forcing it's beliefs down my throat. I respect everyone's beliefs, no matter how different, as long as it is sincere, and you not try to sell it to me. And on the other hand, be fair and respect mine. Looks like things are getting unbalanced here. Will I get missed on job opportunities or benefits, or just be treated lower than my fundamentalist neighbor? I hope not.....There is an election this fall, and I will vote..........................Since this thread is controversial, will someone please explain to me what a Born Again Christian is? Is this some clique or sect I have to belong to in order be free and not be harrased to death to conform?Is there a support group or reading that I can get that instructs me how to live among Born Again Christians without friction? Hey, I just want to get along peacefully with all...........Thanks...........lat19

**dukedogsmom** · 04-25-2004, 06:49 AM

I hope Bush doesn't get another term! He's done enough damage as it is. And, I might point out that Christians are supposed to me MORE tolerable of people and their sins. But, it doesn't seem like that is so. And why is it that when important decisions involving women are often made by men?!?! That really burns me up. Their holier than thou laws won't matter to them because it won't affect them. Just because someone's beliefs are different from yours, doesn't mean they're better. Just look at all the religions around. Who's to say which one is right or better? I could go on and on........

**moosmom** · 04-25-2004, 01:34 PM

I hope Bush doesn't serve another term either. The last thing I need is to have him sending jobs overseas. I'm having a hard enough time finding employment as it is, without him trying to suck up to other countries by providing jobs that rightfully belong to the citizens of the United States.

Not to mention lining the pockets of the "good ole boys club" with tax breaks, of which he is a member.

**lat192004** · 04-25-2004, 01:58 PM

Hello D'dog;

You hit on one point I missed in my post, probably the one thing that confuses me the most. The tolerance issue. Christains are suposed to be "tolerable" of others beliefs. In my direct association with these folks through neighbors, health care workers, professional people, the list goes on, this tolerance attitude comes across as snobbish, elitest, condescending, to all out verbal harrassment, non-acceptance in the community.On the women issue, equal rights apply here. It's the law. Re: sins. To me, this is an abstract idea. Nothing more than using this faith to control a person through fear.....There is no way the U.S. is going to regress back to the period of time these Born Again people want. We are in the 21st century. The internet gives up access to a virtual library unheard of in size. In that library you will find out of mind boggling discoveries, new theories on who we are, where we are heading as "guests" on this piece of rock called Earth.I'm trying to tip toe here, I do not want to offend anyone having a deep faith. It's just that politics and religion don't mix too well. If you like, keep it regional, as it already is, but remember we are a huge country, and many beliefs other than your own apply. It's just common courtesy to accept all citizens in the U.S. with their many faths and beliefs, and not try to drill you own favorite into this nations head. Christians, remember tolerance-Jesus taught it, now follow it!......Thanks.Sorry I had to edit this, I made a typo here I had to correct. I typed this before my morning coffee, and Angel was giving me headbumps and toothrubs as I was trying to type.

**ILoveReptiles** · 04-25-2004, 02:29 PM

It's the way of these fundamentalist types, to be as intolerant and elitist as they are.

Generally, I've found that their policy is to discriminate against and condemn everyone other than themselves, that is; until they find themselves outnumbered.

Then and only then do they push preaching tolerance.

It goes without saying that I hope Bush doesn't get back into office. The last thing this country needs is another 4 years of his brand of destruction.

**lat192004** · 04-25-2004, 10:10 PM

Hello Reptile;

I took a walk this afternoon and thought about what I posted. I was thinking about the First Admendment. It is so vague, but it does mention separation of church and state, but never endorses or condems. So, I would say( in my opinion) that church can meddle state to state, but a national policy on religion no way.

Hawaii is a strong Christain state. There have been times when I have been around a group Christains, and I'm made to feel uncomfortable. It's not everyone, mind you, but you can spot them by their walking gait with their nose held high. These people are a sorce of shame to others of the same church, but to the uninitiated, it looks real bad, and makes their church look worse. There seems to be a rule of checks and balances to counteract rude behavior by church members to outsiders here.Mostly they are condescending, especially when taking your money, but in the mainland, I'm not sure. I think a lot of fundalmentalist types will discriminate on job preference, to equal rights. If you live in a community where it is heavily church people, good luck finding/holding a job..........I have witnessed your observation Reptile on the part of your thread that states "they will discriminate until they are outnumberd".Church people can be very secular, very rude, and throw you a cold shoulder with the best of them. Break the link to where they are outnumberd, and they can actually be pretty nice people on the outside. It's human nature, pretty disgusting!I guess we are all secular to a certain degree, we tend to drift toward people we trust or have like interests in. Our president is doing this now, hope he stays fair and does not plays favorites.

Well, that's all I have to say for now.