Well, that was quick.
I appreciate those who recommended and posted thoughts on my second DK diary ever--which went into some detail about Dr. James Dobson's "critique" of Obama's "Call to Renewal" speech, and tried to maintain a balanced view of the matter from a decidedly non-religious viewpoint. I was, however, quite surprised to encounter this story, highlighting Obama's plans to not only maintain, but expand, faith based initiatives. From someone who has followed the primaries closely, and who has grown to respect Obama considerably for his conduct throughout, this story comes as a bit of a shock.
More disconcerting than that, however, is the suggestion that Obama apparently thinks hiring and firing based on one's faith is a good move.
I disagree pretty strongly with that suggestion, being quite certain that I have been passed over for jobs I was qualified for as a result of my non-affiliation with any religion. But it goes deeper than that, and it has to do with my firm belief that the Democrats are making a huge mistake by continuing to paint non-religious thinkers as amoral or immoral. Part of a nasty shift to the right that has been pretty much unrelenting during my entire lifetime.
I'll have to think on this one for a while, because there's a lot to say about this, but in the meantime, I think the following quote, taken from yesterday's diary, more than usually prescient:
If anything, the approach Obama suggests validates many of Dobson's views: Obama strongly suggests that religion does have a role to play in governance, and that secular calls to rid public space and public policy entirely of religion are as unworkable as basing policy solely on Biblical law would be. If anyone should be alarmed by this speech, it should be the secular wing of the body politic.
I did not, however, expect to see that statement so clearly demonstrated so soon after I posted it.
UPDATE: First, just took a closer look, and see that Obama is suggesting that religious institutions be allowed to hire and fire according to faith--which they do anyway, so it'd be a matter of making public what already happens in private. Second--I'm staying away from the comment fields, because there is a lot of kneejerk action down there...if you want to know my real thoughts (and here's a big hint: I'm not 100% against Obama engaging this aspect of the American electorate)...why don't you go read the original diary, and at least inform your assumptions about my reasons for posting on this subject.
UPDATE 2:Still far from sold...however, I'm willing to keep an open mind about it. Obviously, the full story has yet to emerge. Though I'm aware that I'm getting shouted down for it, church/state issues, and with them the issue of faith based initiatives, are a big deal to me. Even though Obama's campaign isn't going to float or sink on anything I say, I still believe (might be wrong...lots changed over the last few years) I have a right to say it.