We have received feedback on this issue from people all across America. Review the graph to the left for a quick snapshot of the responses received to date, or read the responses below.

... If one truly believes ...

January 27,2004

If one truly believes in God, he/she could not divorce faith from any decision. It would hypocritical to claim allegiance to God and ignore God in one's decisions. Furthermore, it would be unreasonable to ask one to set aside beliefs and make honest decisions.

... no one should allow ...

January 27,2004

The word FAITH or BELIEF is enough reason why no one should allow religious beliefs to influence policy statements or decisions, why? FAITH is not KNOWING and there is a big gap between KNOWING and Faith. This is why there are so many faiths or beliefs. It is not right then to use one's position in any way that would disrespect or put down anyone else's faith and belief.

Personally, I know that there is God. I see God through ITS Light and SOUND the twin aspects of Divine Spirit. I also know that whoever practices the right Spiritual Exercise that can be started by singing HU (HU being one of God's Holy Names and the reason we are called hu-man beings) at bedtime and upon waking WILL eventually be able to go from faith into KNOWING. From that perspective, the KNOWER will see the inadequacies of belief or faith. Yet Faith is a stepping stone into knowing BUT many beliefs may not be exactly the way they are perceived here on earth in the countless heavens of our FATHER GOD who endlessly nourishes and preserves all creations regardless of their faith or belief by the continuous movement of atoms in IT’s Divine Voice and Body, HU.

Yes, God can be referenced in political talks because there is God. GOD, not faith and not belief. In belief and faith comes endless and diverse dogmas from one faith to another, and each is legitimate to the believer, and therefore should be respected. It is injustice then to use one’s individual belief to influence policy statements or decisions.

Hope am clear? And I hope this contribution helps the world and my beloved country America.

... How can anyone be offended ...

January 27,2004

Political leaders made the decision to remove prayer from school....look at our public school systems today. "Thou shalt not kill" How can anyone be offended by that. Our children need God's boundaries and direction. Take God away, and children kill, commit suicide, they have no were to turn for fulfillment.

... GOD we trust in all we do. ...

January 27,2004

In GOD we trust in all we do.

... other people's bedrooms ...

January 27,2004

Big-haired Republican women and Evangelicals need to keep their noses out of the White House and other people's bedrooms.

... all aspects of life ...

January 27,2004

This country was founded under God...it is important that we keep God involved with all aspects of life, and it sickens me that the liberals want God out of everhing...no wonder our country is going to the dogs.....

... open mind should direct ...

January 27,2004

Reasonable intelligence and an open mind should direct a person to a true understanding of religion and it's sordid history and why the founding fathers separated church and state.

... we would have a safer ...

January 27,2004

I wholeheartedly disagree with this statement. If politicians would use there pure Christian beliefs to influence there decisions like the forfathers wanted us to I gaurantee we would have a safer, happier more prosperous nation no matter what

... define who I am ...

January 27,2004

It is not possible to make decisions without taking into account what you believe. My beliefs define who I am and influence all I do. We are who we are because of what we believe.

... shouldn't determine policies ...

January 27,2004

Personal religion shouldn't determine policies

... important to study ...

January 27,2004

I expect people, even presidents of the United States, to make decisions based on what they believe. That knowledge is why it is so important to study presidential candidates closely, to try to understand their vital belief systems in order to try to determine how they will come down on the various issues with which they will have to deal.

... speak in the public ...

January 27,2004

Political leaders should not have to sacrifice their core beliefs when they speak in the public square. Their relationship to their God, or lack of same, will always be a player in the decision making process.

... Read them carefully ...

January 27,2004

Religious beliefs are the basis of our country. Read them carefully and you will see they are the beginning our our laws to keep peace and morality in our fine country.

... not be permitted ...

January 27,2004

This country was founded on the principles of freedom and liberty. As such, those who are religious are entitled to their views, but they should not be permitted to, through the use of Government Office, force their beliefs on those of us who aren't.

... respect other religions ...

January 27,2004

I also agree that we leave the Flag salute one nation under God as stands. I think that the ten commandments should be displayed anywhere.We should respect other religions, but our Nation was founded on One God, the only God. That is what makes America, a place where everyone wants to live.

... erase the identity ...

January 27,2004

In essence, the statement above absurdly says "When you try to influence people, you shouldn't express your personal beliefs." We should not try to erase the identity of an elected political leader; we elected him as President because of his character and his beliefs. Those people who think that political leaders should stop talking about God are trying to prevent the free speech of our President. That's censorship. That's imposing an atheistic religion. If the people elected a Christian President, then so be it. By the way, I'm glad that our President is a Christian.

... Virtue has no foundation without ...

January 27,2004

The Founding Fathers never intended a "separation" of religion and State. What they did intend was that there would not be declared a "State religion" as was the case all over Europe. The Lutheran Church was the "State" religion in the Scandinavian countries. The Church of England was the "State Church" in Britain. And still is. The southern European nations were traditionally Roman Catholic. Particular denominations were declared to be the official "State" religion in most of the nations of Europe. This was not to be the case in the United States. And we have been a better nation because of this wise division. But in no sense was it the intention of the Founding Fathers that we should be a people without a firm belief in a "Higher Power." Virtue has no foundation without reference to a Higher Power. Our Founding Fathers were keenly aware of this basic truth. And so we are the benefactors of the doctrine of the freedom of religon.

... should never apply the dogma ...

January 27,2004

Tough issue because it asks a person to separate from the value system that shaped her/his life. Abortion is the classic example. To a Roman Catholic, and others, the religious dogma would forbid a vote/decision favoring abortion. Yet elected officials and government employees should never apply the dogma of any religion.
Abortion must be considered from the civil law frame work of homicide/murder/self-defense.

... clearly based ...

January 27,2004

The laws of the USA are clearly based upon the 10 COmmandments and the moral principles taught by the Lord Jesus Christ.

... bless our president ...

January 27,2004

I hope and pray to God that the president does ask our Lord for his guidance, as with our politicians. In this day and time we need the Lord more now than ever. God please bless our president and all fellow politicians that have our life in their hands and help them to secure the knowledge they need to do the job both honestly, and with you leading them to the right decisions.