BCITORGB wrote:
Tink thinks:
=============
I was also thinking that it is a symbiotic relationship. They both
get
something out of it. The politicians obviously get the votes they
want;
the religious, get to feel like they are on the winning side. And
everyone know that if your god is worth a hoot, he should be able to
pick the winning side.
=============

Again, I think you've made some cogent points. What it points to, if
you're correct, is some fairly shallow commitments to Christianity on
the parts of many fundamentalist, born-agains. Upon reflection, I
ought
not to be surpised because, as you point out, many of these people do
follow like so many sheep.

Bingo!

Sadly, this does not reflect positively on the Republicans, nor the
religious right.

Ditto!

Tink asks:
=================
I was curious though, would you feel better if the religious were on
your side?
===================

I want critical thinkers on my side, but I'll reveal my prejudice.
Overt expressions of religiousity -- whether from a right or
left-wing
politician -- will generally ensure my vote going to another
candidate.


Fortunately, in Canada, politicians do not feel the need to add a
gratuitous "God bless Canada." to the end of every speech or to
attand
church on Sunday. In fact, overt expressions of religiousity are, I
think, a political liability in Canada.

frtzw906

In this country, where the political scene is limited to basically two
political parties, it is very subject to a large SIG voting block, and
what larger, more pliable and motivated group is there than the
religious. A large percentage of whom will get up off the couch to go
to church on Sunday at least. Most couch potatoes won't go out to vote,
unless they get really motivated by something like 9/11. Then they
quickly go back to their couch, where they don't want to be disturbed
from their pretzels and beer. Now that is unfortunate! TnT