Keep religion out of politics

“All national institutions of churches, whether Jewish, Christian or Turkish, appear to me no other than human inventions, set up to terrify and enslave mankind, and monopolize power and profit.” Thomas Paine 

Separation of Church and State

Exactly my thoughts.

 Thomas Paine, if you care to remember, was an interesting fellow.

 “Born in England in 1737, moved to America in 1774. In 1776 he pleaded for American independence in a famous pamphlet called Common Sense. During the War of Independence, he served in the Continental Army and continued writing.

In 1777 he became Secretary of the Committee of Foreign Affairs in Congress, but in 1779 he was forced to resign because he had disclosed secret information. 

In 1787 he went back to England and to France where he became deeply involved in the French RevolutionAlthough he didn’t speak French, he was elected to the National Convention.”

 If I lived in that era, I would definitely have rooted for this fellow.

It annoys me to no end when an individual tries to weave religion into politics, but it becomes intolerable when an elected official uses that ploy.

Religion has no place in politics! It is a private matter and like genitals, it should remain private. Worship on your own if you must, but never bring this up in government affairs. If you do, you are bound to hear ridiculous statements such as this:

 The idea that religion and politics don’t mix was invented by the Devil to keep Christians from running their own country. Jerry Falwell

 Any display of religious symbols should be banned in Congress. They are lighting rods begging to be struck.

You should not rely on anybody flaunting a cross, a star of David or a crescent. Those people are not to be depended on; they are biased and don’t seek to protect your interests. They owe allegiance to another entity that does not include you.

Wearing a hijab in Congress is equally offensive. It is a religious symbol and it is as provocative as wearing any other religious badge. It should not be condoned or excused.

Alain

 “I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do, because I notice it always coincides with their own desires.” Susan B. Anthony