Expert: Clint - 9/11/2008

Question
Hi. My question is do you believe that the concern that some people are expressing that should McCain/Palin be elected it will lead to America becoming a theocracy is a legitamate one with merit?

I am an atheist who is very concerned about this. McCain and Palin want to impose their own personal religious beliefs(i.e. outlaw abortion, ban same sex marriage, teach creationism and abstinence only in the schools etc) on ALL American citizens, even those who do not share their Christian beliefs.

I can not stand Palin. I hear all this talk about how a lot of women voters are impressed by Palin, think that she is a good role model for girls and blah blah. Give me a break! It's amazing to me that McCain actually managed to find a woman who is more anti woman than he is! She is actually going to set women back! Just because she is female does NOT mean that women should support her, and it certainly doesn't mean that she will be a champion of women's rights. SHe doesn't even support abortion in cases of RAPE and INCEST! I think that is very illuminating. It shows a complete lack of respect and compassion for women. ALso, she is a hypocrite because she says she is a bible believing christian, yet doesn't the bible clearly state women are NOT to be in positions of authority over men? She is the breadwinner in her family, and it his her husband who takes care of the home/children. Clearly she has stepped outside of her traditional role, and is not being a submissive wife and mother. Am I wrong about that? Isn't she going against christian teachings just by being a woman who is running for office?

It's just really scary to think what will happen if they get in. I wouldn't put it past them to pass a law that mandated that religion be taught in the schools or something. Their beliefs totally contradict the principles of a democratic society. Shouldn't religion be a personal matter? Shouldn't people be free to decide for themselves what spriitual/religious path is right for them? Please shaer your thoughts.

Julia

Answer
As for Palin's hypocrisy, the bible is full of contradictions I'm sure you know. There are many passages that refer to women as inferior and many that make her equal. I'm sure the fundies would point you to Galatians 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This is perhaps the most famous passage in the New Testament that assigns equal status to individuals of both genders (and all races, nationalities and slave status). In the bible you can find a case for and against anything, those arguments are mote, for us and them. Frankly, the bible just sucks as a rule book, you never know what is right or wrong because it's all up to individual interpretation.

If this was a dictatorship and Palin was going to be elected supreme ruler, I would be worried to say the least. But will we become a theocracy because she becomes VP? No, not under McCain because he isn't a religious nut like another president we all loath. She will set us back with some theonomic decisions but I'm sure we'll remain civil a little while longer, I hope.

As for the election and my personal view I have to vote Obama if just to block McCain because I don't want another 4 years of Bush politics. Personally I don't have any respect or trust for any candidate that denies the truth and buckels to peer pressure about absurdities like gods and deities. What else will he/she cater to just to save face? I prefer a non-partisan who admits they haven't found evidence to support any claims made by any religion and can not in all honesty say that one of them is more right than another.