I am not American nor have I ever lived in the United States of America, so I realize how it may be perceived were I to throw stones at our neighbours to the south. Fully understanding that we aren't perfect up here and those living in glass houses shouldn't throw stones, a couple of grains of web dust I've absorbed lately have me frightened for my friends in the States.
First I read about Barbara Walters and her concerns about the Christmas card she received from the White House.
“Usually in the past when I have received a Christmas card, it's been 'Happy Holidays' and so on,” said Walters.
But the veteran anchor expressed dismay that President Bush and the First Lady would send out a “religious Christmas card” with a direct Bible verse from the Old Testament printed inside:
“You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.”
After reading the scriptural message of the card, Walters asked in a critical tone, "Does this also go to agnostics, and atheists, and Muslims?"
"Don't you think it's a little interesting,” continued Walters in her questioning, “that the president of all the people is sending out a religious Christmas card?"
The card, which was paid for by the Republican National Committee, closes: “May the joy of all creation fill your heart this blessed season 2007.”
When did the nation of America and Christianity become so intertwined? America doesn't have an official religion, does it? Does Dubya know this? Aren't there many Americans who are non-Christian?
Then, I saw the ad below from Mike Huckabee. Huckabee is in hot pursuit of the GOP presidential nomination and has clearly decided to focus on the evangelical Dubya voters. Could a political ad be more religious? This scares the shit out of me. Is there any separation of church and state in the USA anymore?
If Huckabee is Bush 2.0, God help us all.
