Master Debaters: Official Thread of the 2004 Pres. Debates

[Andy]

[warmi]

[Brig]

I don't have a problem with religious institutions getting funding for their charity work. [/color] knows, non-religious people have a higher occurence rate for selfish-prickism than the zealots. It would be nice to distill that and make it a fundamental part of our culture, but that's about as likely as small government in the US. Particuallarly when the proponents of small government are bending over and taking it up the ass from the Bush Admin.

warmi: Your point is as weak as your mind. I never said I didn't want people in office based solely on the fact that they're religious. I kind of like this guy, his name is Pat Buchanan. Neat dude--religious.

However, the appointment of SC judges is very relevant and it's important the the judges appointed are by and large aligned with my value system. Blow me if you think that's bigoted: by your definition of bigot, it would be near impossible to find anyone in the US that isn't one.

[edit][end edit]

HEHE. Now we've really got the board cooking. Can't wait for the debates.

[Brig]

[Andy]

We're in a bad state of things when the republican candidate matches a Massachusetts liberal in proposed spending. It's hard to win votes without spending programs, though, so the American people will get what they deserve.

[RICoder]

My 2Cents...

For the record, this country was founded on religious principles, and as such, they serve a valuable tool in the practice of governance. One could wonder what it would be like if the French had done it instead of the puritanical English...oh wait, that's Canada...or the Spaniards...wait, that's Mexico.

Further, the word GOD, such as it is, in our constitution and other places is described best by Jefferson and Lincoln as that 'thing' that is beyond the human rule, such as natural law or the creator. It shouldn't be misused by either the religious nor non-religious to canote God, Himself.

Perhaps whomever suggested reading the writings of the founders was correct in that we should read and heed those writings.

[Andy]

What religious principles exactly?

[RICoder]

[Andy]

[warmi]

" I hear this all the time, but never hear it quantified."

Well, you are correct in a strictly legal sense.

On the other hand there are various quotes from people involved ..

George Washington:
"True religion (Christianity) offers to government its surest support"

Jefferson:
"No nation has ever existed or been governed without religion. Nor can be. The Christian religion is the best religion that has been given to man and I, as Chief Magistrate of this nation, am bound to give it the sanction of my example"

Madison:
"I have sometimes thought there could not be a stronger testimony in favor of religion or against temporal enjoyments, even the most rational and manly, than for men who occupy the most honorable and gainful departments and who are rising in reputation and wealth, publicly to declare their unsatisfactoriness by becoming fervent advocates in the cause of Christ; and I wish you may give in your evidence in this way."

Adams:
"The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: it connected in one indissoluble bond, the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity"

[Andy]

[RICoder]

[Maf54]

[Brig]

[Andy]