Expert: Vincent M. Wales - 9/12/2008

Question
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: Julia:

Thanks for expressing your views, and I think your concerns have some basis in reality.  My novel, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, published in 2004, paints exactly this sort of picture... of a nation propelled toward theocracy by the continual election of people like George W. Bush, on into the 2020s.

America has been on this slide toward theocracy since the 50s, and yes, I think the last decade has been a very steep incline on that slide.

I have plenty of thoughts on Ms. Palin, many of them similar to your own.

On the other hand, people like Palin are (thankfully) a very small minority.  I think eventually the country will move away from this lunacy.  But it won't be quick.  Or painless.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello again. I think I just might check out your book! I too feel that her views are outside of the mainstream, which is why I am so surprised that these two individuals have received so much support. I was talking to a friend of mine the other day that suggested that racism might be at play here. That some folks are still just too uncomfortable with the idea of an African American man running for President and wielding that kind of power. I hope she is wrong, but I suspect that sadly there may be some truth to that. I have also heard that people are more likely to vote for the candidate that is more personable and appears more "normal" and "average" than someone like Obama who is more of an intellectual. I have even heard some people suggest that Palins looks will help her! I can not believe how superficial and shallow some people can be.

The more I read about Palin the more frightened and disgusted I feel. For example, I read that while she was mayor she actually passed a bill that required rape victims to pay for their own rape kits! What astounds me is how ANY woman could vote for Palin. She is a misoginist in a skirt(don't believe I have ever seen her in a pair of pants!). It's crazy.

I know you can't predict the future, but I was just curious as to how good you thought the chances are that these two will win? I am hoping that Obama will win, but I have my doubts. Obama is a christian too which is disappointing, but at least he respects the separation of church and state and wont try to impose his beliefs on others. He is also very liberal on important social issues which is a good thing. An atheist would NEVER be elected President anyway. Sigh. Thanks for taking the time to discuss this with me and answer my questions. I appreciate it.

Julia

Answer
I'm afraid I have to agree with your friends.  Yes, there are plenty in this country who are racist, and in all honesty, I fear some of the more radical racists may pose a danger to Obama if he wins.

And yes... people really are so shallow that they'll allow Palin's looks to play a part.  We're a superficial country, or hadn't you noticed?  :)

No, I don't think an atheist would stand a chance of being elected in today's environment.  Pity.

As for my prediction on the election... well, before the VPs were chosen, I would have put my money on Obama.  That he didn't ask Clinton, and McCain chose Palin, throws a bit of a wrench into that.  I think it's going to be a close one.  And it's going to become much uglier between now and November.  Obama needs to step away from the nice guy image and show he's got some spine.  And more people need to see Palin as a whack-job.

Hope you enjoy the book!  (By sheer coincidence, the President's wife's name is Sarah.)