yep wrote on Jan 12, 2008 10:34 PM:After 7 disasterous years of Bush do we really want another religious fanatic with zero international experience? This country needs a leader with some intellect to take this country forward - surely we can do better than this man.

DMann wrote on Jan 13, 2008 1:27 AM:I'd have to say no. Though I like his adoption of the fair tax, his stance on illegals is a vote killer for most Americans. Its funny how 78% of Americans want the borders secure & social services & other benifits for illegals cut off neither party has a strong border canidate. Those who do show some spine are black balled by the media. Funny how when 25% of the homeless in this country are vets that we should be helping, our government would rather help those who care so little about America instead of those who have shown they care so much. Sad.

El Guero wrote on Jan 13, 2008 5:45 AM:I'm skeptical of Huckleberry. I read he's fond of money, which shouldn't be unusual, except for a preacher, as he professes to be. And I really wonder what the whole 'faith' and 'values' thing is about. Is it motherhood and apple pie? Or is it getting us out of a wicked, ruinous war, stopping the hemorraging of good jobs overseas, ending illegal immigration, dealing with other nations on the basis of mutual respect, moving us away from fossil fuels and dirty, special-interest-driven politics, and establishing a system of affordable health care for all citizens? I don't see Huckleberry getting behind any of that.

jenny wrote on Jan 13, 2008 7:28 AM:Huckabee is a candidate for the little guy, the hard working people of America.Huckabee understand our struggle and understanding is the key to change.
Romney, is the CEO candidate, he is all about wall street values and in no way can relate to the average American. John McCain represents the status quo, more of the same, the 100% washington policies tht have gotten us no where..

Huckabee is the candidate for the people. Lets unite and vote for Huckabee , he is the one who will get Michigan out of its depression because you can only change what you understand, Mike understands!!!!!

ron wrote on Jan 13, 2008 7:30 AM:yep,

Huckabee is not a religious fanatic. He was in the governor of Arkansas for 10 1/2 years and his faith he never pushed on anyone. Ask the people in Arkansas...

Faith Family and Freedom??? wrote on Jan 13, 2008 8:46 AM:Those are buzz words for another neo-con. Enough of the Bush regime, time for CHANGE, the status quo will not work.

James wrote on Jan 13, 2008 9:07 AM:Mike is a bible thumper who wants to express his holier than thou self importance on us all. Bush was similiar. Huckabee rejects basic tenets of modern learning blindly, see his stance on evolution. We need the most enliughtened and progressive thinkers in office and Hucabee is not this in his heart and soul. He released a killer on religous grounds and caused the innocent death of others. He is a dummy at his core. Bush light is not what the country needs and Mr. Musik is simply pushing his right wing, evangelical, charitian bias and beleifs in this article, for shame.

Just say no wrote on Jan 13, 2008 9:56 AM:I did visit his website, and read his stances on issues. Seems like a Bush clone to me. I will not be taking advice about who to vote for by anyone who thought voting for Bush was a good idea. Worst president ever. Just say no.

Headlines wrote on Jan 13, 2008 10:48 AM:The headline says it all..a vote for faith. Sorry but we are a republic not a theocracy. If we wanted Christian rule, then we should outlaw all other religions like mine. Doesn't that sound terrific?

mary wrote on Jan 13, 2008 2:17 PM:So, how many people who have commented here have actually been to his website, as the author challenges you to do? Mike Huckabee has a Veteran's Bill of Rights there that has won the endorsement of hundreds of vets who have posted on his blog. Not only that, but his 9 Point Plan to fix the illegal immigration problem in our country has been firmly endorsed by Jim Gilchrist, founder of the Minutemen. There's not a better man running for president, and Mike's supporters do believe in him. That's what scares the other candidates, the GOP establishment, and most of YOU, so much.

El Guero wrote on Jan 13, 2008 2:31 PM:Dear Mary: I took the Carl Musick challenge, as you suggest. Here are my comments: Huckleberry's wrong on Iraq. He's wrong on Israel. He's wrong on Cuba. He sounds very good on immigration (but I don't believe him; why should I?) And surely he's fooling us if, as he says, 'globalization, if done right,' can be good for America. Sorry, Huck. You earn a D-.

JaneH. wrote on Jan 13, 2008 6:06 PM:I like Huckabee's stands on the issues. I believe that his Vertical Politics and Fair Tax are winning ideas for this country.

Huckabee is MY choice for President.

Mooresville, NC

Curtis wrote on Jan 13, 2008 7:28 PM:Why would I want to vote for a man who is a member of the religious right? We don't need any more "crusades". The current christian president has already caused much of the world to hate us and who can blame them. Vote for Dennis Kucinich if you want someone who is not part of the establishment.

Jerry wrote on Jan 13, 2008 8:15 PM:Isn't his guy one who disputes evolution? Maybe he belongs to the flat earth society also.

to Jerry wrote on Jan 13, 2008 8:49 PM:You mean the earth isn't 6,000 years old and man didn't ride dinosaurs?

Robert wrote on Jan 14, 2008 12:17 AM:Huckabee is strong on the border...

Just look at his 9 point plan ...
Huckabee is not for amnesty!

The conservative vote needs to unite behind Huckabee to beat McCain!

Huckabee supported Bush's tax cuts while McCain opposed them. We need a fiscal conservative and Hucakbee is that!

Grace wrote on Jan 14, 2008 12:31 AM:Clearly most of those commenting here have not put in any significant effort to honestly learn more about the man or we wouldn't be seeing the incredibly ignorant remarks about Mike's stance on evolution, the role of religion in politics, his immigration stance & record, his foreign policy inexperience (did anyone notice the news that just came out about the top Admiral who stated that Gitmo needs to go? Will Thompson apologize to Huckabee now?)

If Huck's a neo-con, please tell the neo-con's so they'll quit doing their best to deep six his campaign! Meanwhile, take an honest SERIOUS look at his record instead of the skewed snippets that his opposition wants you to see & you'll understand why Arkansans re-elected him to the max!!!

Freitag wrote on Jan 14, 2008 8:24 AM:Let's review here.

"religious fanatic" (yep)
"bible thumper" (James)
"a member of the religious right" (Curtis)
"one who disputes evolution" (Jerry)

Just more example's of intolerance at its best.

james wrote on Jan 14, 2008 10:35 AM:To Freitag, I am proud to plead guilty to calling Hucabee a bible thumper. If this is inaccurate please attempt to correct this. I am not intolerant of bible thumpers until they potentially intrude on my rights and the legacy of our secualr republic, our country. Then, yes indeed I am intolerant of the bible thumpers as is my right.

Patrick wrote on Jan 14, 2008 1:31 PM:All you need to know about Huckabee.. google this:
"The dark side of Mike Huckabee"

Jackie Oh! wrote on Jan 14, 2008 3:32 PM:Here's a man that goes hunting and doesn't apologize for it. He's got my vote.

Curtis wrote on Jan 14, 2008 4:25 PM:Freitag, Why don't you take Patrick's advice and google "the dark side of Mike Huckabee". More reasons not to vote for him. Yes, I'm intolerant of anyone who wants to use the law to push their religious beliefs on me, especially when they are a hypocrite. As I recall, Jesus didn't care too much for the moneychangers.

Charlene wrote on Jan 14, 2008 7:36 PM:Huckabee, another huckster from Hope, Arkansas.

Freitag wrote on Jan 14, 2008 7:38 PM:To James.

After reading your response to my comments I can only make the following statement.

I rest my case.

susan wrote on Jan 14, 2008 8:16 PM:Do some reading about Huckabee and you will find that he is extremely liberal, granting 1000 pardons to criminals and practically endorsing illegal immigration and lacks forgein policy knowledge. I am also more concerned about his being Baptist than Romney being Mormom. Huckabee is in tight with the CFR as is Bush. Beware of more of the same and please learn a lesson from Bush. Don't beleive everything candidates tell you. Look at what they have done and voted for in the past. I am amazed how blinded people become and just vote for someone based on weather they are religous or not. Remember, even Bush goes to church.

Mary wrote on Jan 14, 2008 9:17 PM:Huckabee had all the hard drives purged when he left office in Arkansas. Another Republican trying to change the record. As the saying goes if you have nothing to hide ... why purge the hard drives.

Vote McCain wrote on Jan 15, 2008 5:09 AM:John McCain has my current support becaucse I sense a feeling of TRUST. I would rather debate with an honest oponent than support someone who pretends to champion my views. I want to cut through the crap and debate the issues with honest dialogue. I feel that I can challenge McCain on my issues and get an honest response. John McCain - please step up - the ball is in your court. Will you or won't you???

what? wrote on Jan 15, 2008 8:28 AM:Since when can you TRUST any politician? Let's get real.

Freitag wrote on Jan 15, 2008 8:58 AM: To Curtis - Sorry but you can't have it both ways.

Second, have I made any comment to vote or not vote for Huckabee? No, I have not. I was not making any endorsement of Mr. Huckabee. I was only trying to point out the "labels" that you and others have thrown at Huckabee and Romney because they are "religious" i.e. they attend church, read the Bible, speak of God, faith, etc. and the hostile, negative, dis-respectful grenades that are thrown at them because of it. That was all. It almost sounds as if they have committed a serious felony offense by being "religious" and running for public office. Is it now a fatal disease? Is this the culture of our modern times in the USA that if one is "religious", one is not qualified to run for or occupy public office? It appears like you and others feel threatened by this i.e. "push their religious beliefs on me".Why? Could you also clarify for all of us what you were trying to say regarding Jesus and the "moneychangers".

To Susan: "Remember, even Bush goes to church". Yes Susan, that is correct.Just a friendly reminder. William Jefferson Clinton, a liberal Democrat, also went to church during his reign. Oh, wasn't he also from Arkansas? Didn't President Clinton, on his last day in office, grant unethical pardons to numerous criminals? Remember that? I also was amazed how many people were blinded by Mr. Clinton and voted for him.

Ladies and Gentlemen: A Republican or Democrat will not save us nor our country, regardless if he/she is "religous" or not. Every four years during election time our country becomes more divided and less united and this year is no exception. Our nation's enemies know full well that a divided nation is a weak nation.

RJ wrote on Jan 15, 2008 10:19 AM:I find Huckabee interesting and refreshing and much more qualified to be President than the current President. My issue with his campaign is his supporters. Faith based drones who base everything on religious symbolism and 'family values'. In their world, faith will take care of everything, who needs a plan or a direction. Squandering time and precious resources promoting a constitution amendment against gay marriages and stopping stem cell research based on some thin moral argument. We need somebody for the future good of this country and to get us out of the stagnant morass of the last 7 years.

to RJ wrote on Jan 15, 2008 11:59 AM:We haven't been stagnant we've gone backwards as far as American citizen's privacy and freedoms, US respect and admiration overseas, prisoners tortured and denied legal counsel, our economy in the toilet, education standards plummeting, stem cell research delayed, trillions in debt, the environment neglected, etc etc etc

Curtis wrote on Jan 15, 2008 8:35 PM:Freitag, Huckabee has taken money that is not his and that is what I meant by the moneychanger comment. Do some reading and you'll see that he is not trustworthy. Do you know who the moneychangers were and what Jesus did to them? I think the world would be a better place if the koran,the bible and the book of mormon were put in the recycle bin.

ROBERTA wrote on Jan 15, 2008 9:12 PM:Take it from someone who lives in Arkansas & lived here during part of the Huckabee disaster. He would be a horrible choice to run this country, he would have all of us living our lives the way he feels they should be lived, not the way we want to live our lives. He would destroy government property when he left office as he did here in Arkansas, he had his staff destroy all the computers they used so hte new governor had to replace them all. He is just not a good choice, he wasn't for governor of Arkansas & he wouldn't be for president. Please read between the lines of his comments & promises. By the way, I am not a redneck idiot as most people feel live in Arkansas, I moved here to get the heck out of Mexifornia & all the illegals.

DreSide wrote on Jan 16, 2008 12:02 AM:If you want to live in a theocracy then go live in the middle east. Oh wait, they'll kill you if you don't believe in their form of religion. No thanks!. I've watched the debates and this guy uses his religion like a club. This country does not need another idiot who believes the earth is six thousand years old in office. It looks like it's time for another enlightenment to grace the shores of the United States of America again.

ed wrote on Jan 16, 2008 8:53 AM:That is not exactly true. For centuries different religions have lived in harmony together in the Middle East, eg there are Jews in Iran, Christians in Saudi Arabia, and moslems in Israel. It is the few nut cases that stir up trouble just like in this country. But I agree with the enlightenment comment.

Creationist wrote on Jan 16, 2008 9:05 AM:I have a real problem with someone who believes the earth is only 6,000 years old and that Jesus rode a dinosaur. This is who you want to lead our country? Clearly you voted for Bush twice. Thanks a lot.

Jimmy wrote on Jan 16, 2008 10:46 AM:"Americans want their country back!," writes the author of this piece. But who's trying to take it away from us?

Huckabee, for one, who wants to throw out our solidly built secular constitution and install Biblical precepts (whose Bible, by the way?) in its place. Huckabee's grasp of America's position in the world as a superpower -- one can no longer say "the" superpower, thanks to Bush's fumbled diplomacy -- is, to put it kindly, modest.

If the writer can be persuaded by such vacant phrases as "faith, family and freedom" (and again, we ask, whose faith, whose family, whose freedom?) he is welcome to them. The rest of us will remain down here on the ground in the "reality-based community" and judge this sweet, charming, funny -- but alas, absurd -- candidate by his deeds and words.

Dave wrote on Jan 16, 2008 11:38 AM:I don't trust the media or any "club" to give me a clear picture of Mike Huckabee's fiscal decisions while governor (I live in Washington State, far from Arkansas). So when I met a person from Arkansas I asked them the following question:

"Since you lived in Arkansas when he was governor, what are your thoughts on Mike as a "tax hiker"? I have gotten the impression that most people in Arkansas were pretty supportive of Mike's fiscal decisions. Is that true?"

Here is their reply:

"Hey, sorry so long on the reply. I was very supportive of Gov. Huckabee's fiscal policies. The media has created the impression that Mike just came in, ran up a huge tab, and sent us Arkansans the bill and this is simply not the case. The voters decided in the polls on many of the issues they speak of involving taxes. The best example is the gasoline tax which passed with flying colors. Our highways were in the worst shape of any state in the country and the people of Arkansas were fed up with the impotence of previous policy makers regarding the importance of healthy infrastructure. We overwhelmingly embraced Gov. Huckabee's ideas and, as a result, now have the most improved roads in the country.

Gov. Huckabee changed the face of education in Arkansas, causing it to save Arkansas tax payers millions. Reforms put in place by Mike made Arkansas public schools much more economically efficient, while at the same time pumping up the arts, which I believe will end the "ignorant Arkansan" stereotype in time. No previous governor in Arkansas was bold enough to accept the inevitable challenge of fixing Arkansas education. Gov. Huckabee handled it with grace, wisdom, and, ultimately, success.

Gov. Huckabee's health reforms in the state took Arkansans from among the most unhealthy in the country to a trend of setting examples of healthy lifestyles. His Arkids First program is a sort of "no child left behind" policy in health care that has and is experiencing marvelous success.

The list goes on and on. Many in my state feel that Gov. Huckabee has been the best thing to happen to Arkansas in recent, or maybe even not so recent memory. And that is saying something when referencing a republican in a state that is 99.9% Clinton-built democrat."

Of course this is just one person, but it works for me.

He's not qualified wrote on Jan 16, 2008 2:17 PM:It is one thing to be gov of a backward state where shoes are optional, and another when you're talking about the leader of the USA with its influence on the world economy and security...

PAR FIVE wrote on Jan 16, 2008 2:59 PM:If Huckabee is elected President, or whoever is, he can't be a dictator and decide how we "live our lives." We have checks and balances and this is a republic. Having said that, Huckabee represents the religious right and his ideas about science and creationism and evolution and etc., are so primitive, wrong and absurd that he would be a disaster as President. We don't need a a theocracy.

Carl M. wrote on Jan 16, 2008 3:59 PM:I find it amazing how some of these comments are aimed at why he is Christian or how it's this "great American Christian takeover" when in all actuality if you read your history books the founding fathers of the constitution where Protestant Christians and there is a ammendment unto which created seperation of church and state, so with that why don't you respond to my perspective in a manner of why you support another candidate over Mr. Huckabee? Instead of throwing trash at what i have wrote, at least it would hold some weight instead of diverting the TRUTH.

Chris wrote on Jan 16, 2008 4:20 PM:I've been following Huckabee for about 6 months and really am impressed. He is regular guy with morals and vision. I would love to see him running our country!

ed wrote on Jan 16, 2008 4:55 PM:Bush was advertised as a 'regular guy' in 2000. What a disaster...

Lisa wrote on Jan 16, 2008 4:58 PM:He's got my vote..and I have too much work to do in the grassroots efforts to get him elected, to waste my time arguing with these intolerant posters on this page...it amazes me that some in this society have gotten so backward in their reasoning that they think it's wrong to be intolerant of others, unless their Christians! Excuse me, but I am a follower of the most awesome person Who ever lived...a person Who loved others, who gave to others, Who healed others, Who sacrificed Himself for others...I don't see why people have a problem with that...So, ok, what if I become a radical Christian? Great...that will mean that I will love others more, that I will give to others more, that I will seek to follow in Jesus' footsteps more...what's so wrong with that? And, by the way, how refreshing would that be...to have President who cares about others, who cares about this planet, who seeks to follow Christ's example...Yep...Mike Huckabee's got my vote :) And I hope he gets more radically kind everyday!

DreSide wrote on Jan 16, 2008 5:43 PM:To Carl, While it is true that many of the Founding Fathers were christian, many were not. They were Deists who believed in a Deity, but not the Christian god and they wrote many letters stating that allowing any church to become The church would be a mistake. Two of the most prominent of these men were Thomas Jefferson and Ben Franklin. I would also like to point out that at that time, slavery was a normal part of life, but over the years mankind has realized that it is wrong. We are supposed to grow as a nation toward a new era. Not retreat back into ancient tomes that were written by people who thought that when you became ill from disease it was because the spirit of the devil was in you and not bacteria or viruses. We've learned a lot since then thanks to science. Time to progress forward.

Harry wrote on Jan 16, 2008 6:43 PM:I just heard about Huckabee wanting to amend the Constitution of the United States to bring it into line with his personal religion. Can you imagine if Romney suggested amending the constitution to bring it into line with the Book of Morman!

I believe that voting for Huckabee is like voting for the Taliban.

Of this world wrote on Jan 16, 2008 8:50 PM: I suggest that you get your yellow pages out and under 'P' pick out a good psychiatrist

to Harry wrote on Jan 16, 2008 9:28 PM:Yes you are correct, he is very disturbing. What a huge leap backwards if he was elected. But after Bush 'won' a second time anything is possible.

bryan wrote on Jan 16, 2008 10:01 PM:McCain was the author of the amnesty bill, enough said. Anyone but McCain. He is a sheep in wolves clothing, a liberal dressed up as a republican.

QuoVadisAnima wrote on Jan 16, 2008 10:40 PM:What unbelievable bigotry in these comments! (Not to mention incredibly inane propaganda!)

Did you know that the tolerance that you hold so dear is a CHRISTIAN virtue? Did you know that Catholics in the colony of Maryland were the first in this country to include religious tolerance in their laws of governance?

It is from Christian principles that our country's Declaration of Independence and Constitution are derived. If you try to sanitize our country of religion, you will no longer have inalienable rights since our Founding Fathers recognized that those came from God not from the govt.

Check Huckabee's record in AR and find one incident where he imposed his religious beliefs on anyone!

You have been living in a Judeo-Christian country all your ungrateful lives - do some DD and find out what that means! (Or simply take a look at countries that do not have that basis for their formation - there is an incredible difference!)

Christianity teaches that authority means service not power; that's what makes Mike Huckabee's identification of himself as a Christian leader so important. It tells us that he is not making a power grab like so many others, but that he sees it as an opportunity to serve our country.

If that leaves you feeling cynical, then I would suggest it's because you were feeling that way long before you looked at Huckabee & are simply looking at him thru those distorted lenses.

It's also precisely why Huckabee would be the best choice of the pack of 'em -- this country is too divided, too pessimistic, and too cynical. We need someone who can bring us back together - not keep the power in the hands of people who care more about getting theirs & the heck with the rest of us...

PAR FIVE wrote on Jan 17, 2008 2:19 AM:To Quo: Your comments are loaded with epithetical, derisive words such as "bigotry," "inane propaganda," and "ungrateful." You are preachy and illogical. Many of those same "Christians" you refer to defended slavery, quoting from the book of Peter as justification. None of this matters anyway, because Huckabee will soon be only a minor footnote in the history of this election. He's a loser.

to bryan wrote on Jan 17, 2008 7:57 AM:So liberal = amnesty? Bush must be a liberal then for keeping the borders open. Your labels are rediculous.

Oceansider wrote on Jan 17, 2008 8:01 AM:Huckabee is on record as recently as this week as stating that the US Constitution should be CHANGED to reflect a more biblical approach. If this doesn't automatically qualify this man as a quack (and one more dangerous than our current moron-in-chief), then I don't know what's in the air his supporters are breathing.

Carl M wrote on Jan 17, 2008 8:51 AM:If you check the Rasmussen Report Huckabee has extended his LEAD.
GO HUCKABEE!!!

Apple pie too wrote on Jan 17, 2008 9:10 AM:This radical christian agenda of fear will hopefully not work like it did with the war monger little "bushie".

Carl M wrote on Jan 17, 2008 11:24 AM:Oceansider i guess if you do not understand or research from which that statement was made you take it in the context of which you want to believe it was it was a statement regarding his Pro-Life stance do some research and check it out for yourself.

Oceansider wrote on Jan 17, 2008 2:13 PM:Not to get into a flame war with Carl M, but my research into Mr. Huckabee's statement regarding CHANGING THE CONSTITUTION(!) to reflect a "more biblical approach" is sound. That is precisely what Mr. Huckabee said, and precisely what he meant: change the Constitution of this country to respect the tenets of a particular institution of religion (in this case, Christianity). If the mere concept of such a thing doesn't send chills up the spine of every freedom-loving person in this country, then perhaps we deserve the country that Mr. Huckabee would bring about. Can you say "theocracy"? Can you say "Taliban"? Can you say "despotism"?

WhoWhat wrote on Jan 17, 2008 7:58 PM:Huckabee is no conservative. You sly libs are pushing him to the front because you know he is beatable by Billary and Obama bin Laden. To those who think he is a conservative you're not too bright.

Not Typical wrote on Jan 18, 2008 9:34 AM:Huckabee doesn't sound like a typical conservative. He seems genuinely interested in helping the poor, for one thing. However, I would be extremely reluctant to vote for any evangelical as President. Also, his actions in the 1998 case when his son was involved in the hanging of a stray dog give one pause.

fedup wrote on Jan 18, 2008 10:01 AM:too bad Huckabee is pro-illegal! no vote from me on that issue alone.

Not Qualified wrote on Jan 18, 2008 10:22 AM:He is not qualified to run the country. There is not a candidate who is running that is qualified-they are all losers. The media is making our choices for the -just listen to them tout a candidate and others get no air time-such as Ron Paul- and our constitution!

Carl M wrote on Jan 18, 2008 11:18 AM:Have you looked at the Huckabee website and his 9 point border plan, he is also the only candidate endorsed by the Minuteman Founder Jim Gilchrist so your statement "pro-illegal" holds no weight.

CAROLE wrote on Jan 18, 2008 3:27 PM:I pray daily for Huckabee's election. He's the only candidate willing to ignore the sick demands of the perverts, illegal activists, God-deniers and pedophiles to do whatever it takes to put this nation back on the path of Godliness, as our founders intended.

Help Pastor Huckabee take our nation back from the sickos and atheists and put us back under the only true law, God's law! Huckabee in '08!!!

to CAROLE wrote on Jan 18, 2008 8:55 PM:Thank you for not beating around the bush and showing the true colors of the type of person that supports this guy Huckles the Clown. Very disturbing.

Lokal wrote on Jan 18, 2008 10:55 PM:Agreed, CAROLE is disturbing.

Carl M wrote on Jan 19, 2008 12:34 AM:Not Qualified...? Mike Huckabee turned Arkansas around fixed the failing education system which was 40th worst down to 8th best school's in the nation and he lowered taxes 94 times and remember this was in his 10 1/2 years as governor of Arkansas, He is a true fiscal conservative check out his Fair tax, he has a 9 point border security plan and has signed a pledge for no amnesty.

NoBody wrote on Jan 19, 2008 10:01 AM:Is Huckabee a member of the Amerikan Christian Taliban and does he have conversations with the same god that Dubaya talks to? Just wondering?

Religion is toxic to any human process requiring thought and reason for efficacy.

Religion is anathema to thought and reason. Religion requires unquestioning belief in the implausible. Religion requires suspense of reason and logic. Religion foments intolerance of those who do not properly believe.

Religion elevates charismatic humans to positions of power from which they are, almost inevitably, corrupted by the power of their position. And it de-elevates the masses, willingly, to positions of unquestioning subservience to those charismatics. Religion elevates writings, many times translated, redacted and altered by unknowns with unknowable agenda, to 'word of god' level. And religion requires that the interpretation of these writings, by the charismatics (with unknowable agenda) be not questioned.

Religion gives unquestioned validity to 'because I said so' as justification for anything.

Religion makes people stupid and xenophobic and intolerant. Indeed, it REQUIRES it.

For NoBody wrote on Jan 19, 2008 2:13 PM:NoBody,
Although there is much room for debate on religion, religious denials, agnosticism, and any other subject related to 'religious ideals" there is one thing that cannot be denied. America is considered the land of opportunity. It was founded by Christians in search of a place where freedom of 'religion' was allowed. The country is a place where people can practice their 'religion' or not without being killed or tortured. For those who wish to debate the topic and spend useless time and energy and who do not have the capacity or desire to live their lives with faith...that's okay as this is America and you have that right. But to drag all the 'religious' items into it is ridiculous. The bottom line is if there is a 'religion' that someone wants to follow they can do that in America. If they are legal citizens and they want to live here and thrive...they can. However, anyone who is not religious, lives their lives in faithless being...they can. Just stop knocking others who may (or not) be Christians. If this country were founded by any other 'religion' then I doubt if the freedoms associated with the goodness of the faithful would be celebrated here. Anyone who thinks Islam is the best if free to live in a country where that is the faith of that country and live according the that government. And that goes for any religious following. Live here and thrive in the goodness of the founding fathers celebratory Christianity...and enjoy the freedoms of
your own chosen religions...or none at all...but understand that Christians formed the democracy here and that goodness underlying all of the laws and freedoms is what made this country different from the others. If you want to live as an agnostic, tree-worshiper, ocean hugger, or any other 'religion'...only in America can that happen without being tortured and killed. I know there are radical examples of individuals that might pervert that...but in the long run this is still the best country to live in...don't knock your freedoms. Be grateful you can express them and not fear for your life.

AtheistKilla wrote on Jan 19, 2008 3:55 PM:Ahhh, NoBody. So cool and edgy of you to throw that "k" into "American".

But as usual, the hippie fails it; the proper CommieLiberal spelling of our great nation is "AmeriKKKa" - you need to get the three K's in there, capitalized, to make sure that everyone gets the childish point that you're trying to make...that America is just like the Ku Klux Klan.

Otherwise you just look like a spastic typist.

But even more hilarious than your failure to properly insult the country that houses you and protects your sacred right to be a useless human petri dish of soap-hating filth is the abject failure of your arguments; you may well have a point about religion, but how would anyone know? All you do is present regurgitated, one-sentence items of atheist dogma (as opposed to the more common religious dogma). No arguments. No supporting statements. No attempt at proof. There's no difference between you and a Baptist minister; you're both asking me to accept what you say on faith, with no proof - not even a pro-forma attempt at a supporting argument.

Pathetic. You fail it, again.

Lastly, your first sentence is a grammatical abomination - mixing a declarative statement with a question. I know that marijuana kills your short-term memory, and I know hippies are stupid regardless, but I've never seen anybody forget what they were doing only halfway through a sentence.

Please sober up and get your GED before you post here again, OK? Great. Thanks.

to For Nobody wrote on Jan 19, 2008 7:23 PM:You have obviously never traveled or lived in another democratic country. Or perhaps you believe that going to Hawaii is traveling 'overseas'. What a child-like view of the world you have, and as an American your myopic view of the world is embarrassing.

This is ‘the best country to live in’, best for who? You? Americans make up 4% of the world’s population. What a juvenile thing to say.

‘laws and freedoms is what made this country different from the others’ What? I have lived and worked in several countries where it is more democratic and where citizens have more freedoms (UK, Netherlands, Australia, Switzerland) than we have in the USA and have traveled to dozens of other similar democratic countries (NZ, Canada, Japan, and about 20 other European countries).

‘only in America can that happen without being tortured and killed’ What a stupid statement when we have Guantanamo Prison and the death penalty.

Go get a passport and educate yourself.

Joey-Religion Is Bunk wrote on Jan 19, 2008 7:32 PM:And so is Huckabee. All the candidates will say anything to turn you on for your vote. Just listen to all the religious lunatics posting here. Smooth talking sales people=politician pandering for your vote. Talk religion and every brain washed religious un-thinking robot will vote for the religious guy!! They want CHANGE=THE CHANGE IN YOUR POCKET! Note all the ones who get the media face time. Ron Paul comes closest to being honest and claims he will follow our constitution-and gets no media time. HE GETS NO MEDIA TIME! Figure it out! The MEDIA IS TELLING YOU HOW TO VOTE- they keep putting there candidates up on the TV, and you suckers take the bait! Just like a commercial! Hey-even Hitler proclaimed that God was on his side. Ever note the words on the buckle of a Nazi soldier-" Gott mit us--God is with us! They even attended Catholic mass on Sunday before they rounded up people for execution. Yah- this is USA and you can go to mass or Temple or the Mosk, but our constitution recognizes no religion! And, that is what this country is all about! Joey.

To Carol wrote on Jan 19, 2008 7:45 PM:You pray for Huckabee? And you are allowed to vote! It is no wonder we have such clowns in our government. An un educated dumbed down nation of people will always vote for people who make them feel good or promise them something. And who is this CLOWN who wrote the article -"A Vote for Faith Family and Freedom!!!JUST VOTE FOR MY MAN!! A Chicken in Every Pot! -Vote for me-and when elected you can go to Blases--! Joey

Ralph wrote on Jan 22, 2008 5:05 AM:Anyone who doesn't accept the theory of evolution is not qualified to be President. Evolution is the cornerstone of biology and is only doubted by religious fundamentalists who place their trust in faith, not reason.