Religion, Politics & The Big Country

Thursday, April 28, 2005 · Last updated 7:24 p.m. PT
Text of Bush's press conference-Part I

Q: Mr. President, recently the head of the Family Research Council said that judicial filibusters are an attack against people of faith. And I wonder whether you believe that, in fact, that is what is nominating Democrats who oppose your judicial choices. And I wonder what you think, generally, about the role that faith is playing, how it's being used in our political debates right now.
BUSH: I think people are opposing my nominees because they don't like the judicial philosophy of the people I've nominated. And some would like to see judges legislate from the bench. That's not my view of the proper role of a judge.
Speaking about judges, I certainly hope my nominees get an up-or- down vote on the floor of the Senate.
They deserve an up-or-down vote.
I think, for the sake of fairness, these good people I've nominated should get a vote. And I'm hoping that will be the case as time goes on.
Role of religion in our society? I view religion as a personal matter. I think a person ought to be judged on how he or she lives his life or lives her life.
And that's how I've tried to live my life: through example.
Faith plays an important part in my life individually. But I don't ascribe a person's opposing my nominations to an issue of faith.
Q: Do you think that's an inappropriate statement? And what I ask is ...
BUSH: No, I just don't agree with it.
Q: You don't agree with it?
BUSH: No. I think people oppose my nominees because of judicial philosophy.
Q: Sir, I asked you about what you think of ...
BUSH: No, I know what you asked me.
Q: ... the way faith is being used in our political debates, not just in society generally.
BUSH: Well, I can only speak to myself. And I am mindful that people in political office should say to somebody, You're not equally American if you don't happen to agree with my view of religion.
As I said, I think faith is a personal issue. And I take great strength from my faith. But I don't condemn somebody in the political process because they may not agree with me on religion.
The great thing about America is that you should be allowed to worship any way you want. And if you chose not to worship, you're equally as patriotic as somebody who does worship. And if you choose to worship, you're equally American if you're a Christian, a Jew, a Muslim.
And that's the wonderful thing about our country and that's the way it should be.
source: http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/apwashington_story.asp?category=1151&slug=Bush%20Text%20I
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Letter to the editor - abilene reporter news

Dems and liberty
April 29, 2005
I do not understand why Ernest Wiatrek is so confused. He wrote on April 20 that Democrats today are ''secular, elitist, and confrontational . ... why must they assault our religious liberty?'' Democrats ''bellyache'' not against the First Amendment, but in protection of it.
Dave Haigler, whose letter prompted the attack, is a Christian and religious liberty defense lawyer. Our founding fathers knew there had to be neutrality at the federal level so all could participate in government, not just different denominations running each different state. How much more important is this today in an America represented by more faiths than Christianity? Voluntary prayer at football games is a giant step in that direction that I applaud as a Democrat. Mandatory, or teacher-led, prayer in the school crosses the line of ''free exercise.''
Democrats realize that everyone in the country is not a Christian and wishes to exercise their faith the way that is appropriate for them. I did not support Chief Justice Roy Moore, who displayed the Ten Commandments display illegally, when there was an appropriate (and legal) route he could have taken. He made himself a martyr, though, as he furthered the religious right's cause to interpret free expression in a way that excludes other beliefs.
Thank God we live in a nation where religious liberty is important and maintained by the Constitution.
Lauren Edwards
Abilene
source: http://www.reporter-news.com/abil/op_letters_editor/article/0,1874,ABIL_7984_3738151,00.html
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Note: I agree with the President and Lauren Edwards view on the issue of faith. My question to the President would be, did all of Clinton's Judicial Nominees get a "up or down" vote and why are the Republicans trying to change the Filibuster rules. President Bush has had more than 95% of his Judical Nominees approved by Congress. Is this approval rate one of the highest rates for any U.S. President ?