Great post, had me thinking, THE WRONG GROUP!.. Guess that was the idea. This is a good read and an eye opener. Thanks for posting it.

If people voted on the basic religious values their churches promote, there would never be a Democratic president... ever.

The fact is, though, that we constantly vote for people who share nothing of the world view of religion. Catholics vote for pro-choice candidates in droves. Little old African American ladies who never miss church voted for someone like Bill Clinton, and by a huge margin. Some of the most devout religious people in the US are Hispanics, and they consistantly vote for morally liberal candidates.

For that reason I think we should look at all the hubbub about the religious beliefsof people in public service. It is damn near impossible to get a Catholic approved as a federal judge because the activists in congress think their anti-abortion, pro "values" bent will color their judgements.

If the average American can vote with no fear of religious conflict, it seems like we could let judges and other government leaders do the same.

It goes both ways - I'm not an active christian, and I generally side up with the republicans.

I agree with BakerStreet - the problem is, many current judges rule with their consciences rather than with the law - so that is the assumed default. And we are in an environemtn where the balance of power is held by the judiciary; so neither side believes that they can allow a partisan of the other side be nominated; nor be seen to nominate a compromise candidate. What happens when a Supreme Court Justice retires, and neither side can muster 60 votes int eh senate to end the filibuster of their candidate?

Just remember who started it.