Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities

Religious views shouldn’t matter

I do not enjoy upsetting people, but intellectual honesty requires that I address Rick Santorum’s “phony theology” remark.

Santorum, a fine family man, said that the president’s policies are “not about you. It’s not about your quality of life. It’s not about your jobs. It’s about some phony ideal. Some phony theology. Oh, not a theology based on the Bible. A different theology.”

He later tried to clarify that he was not questioning the president’s religion, just the values inherent in his policies.

Although that seems disingenuous, why even mention “theology”?

Of course, the canon of “values” candidates, and their supporters, includes unconditional love for everyone — except when it doesn’t — such as frothing with venom at mention of the president’s name.

Does any politician think that most Americans can be hoodwinked by intimating that they are more sincere in their religion than their opponent?

Regardless of party, I support candidates who present workable, balanced solutions — including realistic compromises. I don’t care about their personal lives or religion — unless it affects their policies.

Throughout history, people have worshiped thousands of gods. No candidate should belittle voters’ acumen by claiming that they have a special insight into the one true one.

Politicians can practice any religion they want, but those who intimate that the truth has been revealed only to them and their followers not only insult voters — but intelligence itself.

In the words of Shania Twain — that don’t impress me much.