To politically savvy atheists...?

Question

While there is little that actually binds us together we are generally considered a liberal bunch, with all of the "God bless America", the fundie appeasement, and apparent theism of nearly EVERY politician at this year's DNC are any of you a little ticked?

I usually just ignore it, I live in a country of ignorance I have to expect to hear it, but even the "liberals" now... Well the dems are actually centrist but they are what we're stuck with.

Anyhow, just want to hear your take.

(And if any campaign planners happen to read this don't make us sit through another Saddleback forum on the theocracy *excuse me, presidency*.)

Answer 1

It bothers me at times, but I just figure they're doing it for votes or to appease the religious masses which seem to be making the most noise. I mean, you could be the most qualified candidate for whatever office you happen to be running for, but if you have no one behind you, you aren't going to get elected. I figure, since the majority of America believes in God in whatever form, it's like a closing statement so that those people will go "Hey he said God bless us! I guess he's not so bad for a (enter party here)." And then hopefully, they'll be cast in a good light. That's just my theory on it.

Answer 2

I am republican, I would hate to think of Obama leading the country.  But maybe after a couple years with him in offices, ppl will support my idea to ban Obama supporters from ever voting again

Answer 3

That is why America needs more than two parties.

Answer 4

I'm a lot ticked. Obama had me intrigued after perusing his past. There's a popular youtube clip where he talks in depth on his feelings reg church/state separation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdB1_KFOh...

It was inspiring, but unfortunately outdated. Now he supports faith based rip-offs and panders to evangelicals. There's no escape. He's on level with McCain in this regard. I guess he needs to be a politician and appease the large number of US voters who've completely lost their minds. I was just hoping for a more honest approach. My bad for being naive.

I've never called myself a dem or a rep. Voting along party lines is for those who can't digest and prioritize the issues on their own. At this point I need to prioritize. Hellfire Christians have their claws in both parties and that scares the h**l outta me, but there's other issues just as pressing that the candidates differ on. I may end up voting for McCain.  

Answer 5

I'm a Libertarian but I hate to see the Dems feeling they have to pander to the religious.

Answer 6

No worries, Politicians are liars, I don't beleive the Liberal theists devotions to their god any more than I do Jimmy Swaggarts, or Jim Bakers> or Tammy Faye's etc.

Answer 7

Well i suppose that my feelings are mixed on this subject. I do not believe that many of these politicians actually believe what they say. They parrot a line that gets them the most votes. Plain and simple. Once they reach the presidential level I am positive that all of them are criminals. Who spends MILLIONS of dollars to get a job that pays 250k a year?

I do not like the labels Liberal, Conservative, Centrist, Republican, or  Democrat. This enforces the idea that you MUST choose a side. It also enforces the idea that we MUST vote for a Republican or a Democrat. It is a sneaky way of deciding for us how we will vote. When you basically have 2 choices or no choice at all for president. You have no real choice at all.

Answer 8

I am perfectly ok with my vote going to a theist. As long as they are not a creationist, and as long as they believe in separation of church and state. Obama qualifies for both.  

Answer 9

Honestly? I hate it. I'm a Democrat and I'm not thrilled at all with watching Obama and company have to mumble about their love of an imaginary dead guy. It seems archaic and downright silly to me.

But it is what it is. If he has to play "find the Jesus" at local church halls to convince Ma and Pa Bible Belt that he isn't a scary Muslim, so be it.

I kind of view the United States general electorate as a bumbling over-sized 8 year old. Powerful but not particularly bright.

Answer 10

Yeah, well that's called pandering, and with the elections being so close these past few times, they're going to do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING to win votes.  It's nauseating, but then so is having to choose the least awful candidate as your president.

Answer 11

there is a certain ominous feel about it.

Answer 12

I am not a Democrat (Not a Republican either) and am from Chicago and know Obama is a Daley machine pawn (Just so you know, Daley is in the pockets of multinationals).  The Democrats sold out the left a long time ago.  If you think they are going to stand up for what is right, then you are wrong.

So I don't care what happens at the DNC.

Answer 13

While there is a correlation between liberalism and atheism, I've found that there's quite a high number of Libertarian atheists on R&S.  I don't get the whole Libertarian thing myself, but expect to be told repeatedly that atheists are not necessarily liberals.

That aside, I'm to the left of the left, and I can't stand the idea that religion and God would even be mentioned in a serious political debate.  What a bunch of c**p.  And, not that I've ever felt "in line" with the Democratic party, but their recent rush to the right really makes me want to puke.  I wish the Green Party had gained more momentum.  I'd really like to see a third party (to the left of modern Dems) come along.  True liberals have been politically disenfranchised in the US for a long, long time, and look at the state that the country is in...

Answer 14

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

Answer 15

Well, they've been criticized in the past few elections for not being willing to bring up "faith." So it's just a political strategy, plain and simple, and that's what I see it as.