To win the top government position in the United States, presidential candidates have to incite the religious interest of voters with concerns like same sex marriages and proclaim to be firm followers of the similar faith so that they could establish a connection with the people. Previously, the race to the presidency was fought between the candidates themselves or between the different political parties, pitted one platform against another’s, district vs. district but now, candidates are utilizing spiritual organizations as well as morality issues to win over the voters.
Over the centuries, most of the wars have been based on religion, something everybody realize to be correct. Iraq is separated into a power struggle of three spiritual factions; similar in the former Yugoslavia; the annihilation of the Jewish people in Germany; African genocide, and let us not forget the last 800 years in England and Ireland, to name but a few. Similar thing is starting to happen in America. We’re so divided between our ideals and beliefs – but religion is winning! Splitting up of church and state is being argued more and more often. Soon, if you’re not like everybody else, religion’s minorities might be faced with fear and uncertainty as history has proved over time. Proselytization will become rampant, with people converting so as to be in the majority. Missionaries will be like door to door sales(wo)men spreading their word that they’re the true defenders of ‘the American Way.
The First Amendment of our Constitution is nothing more than words printed on paper. It is through the actions of the people supporting it that give it its powers. But with the country being as fragmented as it is in these times, can it still maintain its support? Or will there be changes, tipping the balance into a right-wing governance? While there is no certainty yet, numerous fear that it would occur in this 21st century if we’re to consider the main issues that brought about the results of the 2004 presidential elections.
In the 2004 presidential election in which Republican George Bush won, eighty-two percent of voters said moral or even religious beliefs were their main concern. In comparison with other concerns such as education, terrorism, environment, the economy, and also the condition in Iraq, which is a very high percentage. For the American public, it was their primary concern and the basis for their votes. With the country facing lots of important concerns, does religion being a basis for their vote actually make sense? Alternatively, we have to also consider these questions; should we not respect other people’s opinions and also personal preferences? Should we become intolerant of others? Should we stop respecting and also treating others the way we’d like ourselves to be treated by other people? Should we put aside our ancestors’ insight of keeping the church and the state separate, here in America, the so-called land of the free?
Ask yourself: Why do I have to swear on the Bible in court when the Ten Commandments cannot be displayed in a federal building? What will happen next? Only time, and the actions of our President, will tell.
The author is a multifaceted writer. She writes articles for a number of topics like marriage and relationship advices, great deals on formal evening dresses and bride gowns, family and parenting concerns, fashion and beauty tips and a lot more.