Political Discussion

In a post of 5 February (to be found at http://www.atheistcommunity.net/node/35) FatJesus noted, and provided specific data about, President Obama's plans for this initiative, which will (despite his patently false claims to the contrary) by its nature promote religion to the detriment freethinking citizens and communities. This is an extraordinarily urgent matter for us: especially one like ACT, which undertakes community service explicitly without religious motives.

Washburn University issued a press release that sounds interesting. On several nights over the upcoming weeks they will be hosting 'DebateWatch 2008' events at the University inviting people to watch and discuss the presidential and vice presidential debates. In addition to watching, there will be a speaker each night prior to the debate. It sounds like something I'll try to attend at least once (maybe more).

Here are the details from the relase:

As we know by now, McCain's newly selected running-mate, Sarah Palin, has been received enthusiastically by the Religious Right. The article to which I have provided a link below strongly suggests why that is so. She has, of course, God's mandate for her repressive, theocratic, authoritarian views on social issues related to sex, etc; but her divine directives are not limited to those: rather, they involve all areas of government policy.

Earlier tonight both Obama and McCain spoke with Rick Warren, super-church evangelical minister and author of The Purpose Driven Life. He did a 1 hour interview with each candidate about important political topics such as 'What does it mean to you to trust in Christ?' and 'What does Christianity mean to you on a daily basis?'

There were other, more relevant questions as well on topics such as abortion, same sex marriages, funding for faith based organizations, stem cell research and other religiously-tinged issues.