Denver Post: Who Owns America's Moral Values?

[rainbow4321]

http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36%7E158%7E2626916,00.html


Much post-election punditry equated Christian beliefs with moral values and suggested that Christians were the most unified and potent force in politics in 2004. This oversimplifies America's relationship with religion. It gives a false impression that a monolithic interpretation of Christianity exists among us and that religious devoutness equals red, and red (never blue) equals morally right.

Oversimplification of American religious belief and practice is a brilliant political strategy. It polarizes our society and mobilizes extreme positions at either end of the political spectrum. While two opposing, irreconcilable viewpoints duke it out, real issues go unaddressed.


American moral values do not belong to just one side, to one Western religion or Christian tradition, to so-called red states - or to blue ones, for that matter. American moral values are, by definition, ours - all of ours. These values include equality, social and economic justice, environmental responsibility and democracy. They are rooted in philosophical and ethical beliefs that run deep and over which no one group has a monopoly.

One of the most dismaying aspects of this year's election was the attempt and relative success on the part of extreme partisans and conservatives to hijack the meaning of moral values and to recast guardianship of them as the special privilege of a few. More than a few of our officials owe their election or appointment to this hijacking.

[Wapsie B]

1. Truer words

were never spoken.

[DavidDvorkin]

2. I can already imagine the angry responses

Letters to the editor from Colorado Springs addresses.

[Technocrat058]

3. Political Fear

Not since the days of the Greek city-state Athens has political fear been so apparent in an election. Those politicians that "hijack" the "moral values" of America do so out of fear. They fear that their ideal way for American life (i.e. their personal agendas') are being threatened by liberalism (Gasp!). As stated not since the days of the Greek forum has mob rule so clearly been elicited. There is a saying "Misery loves company". Well that most definitely is true with fear. Fear loves company! Fear also needs an object to point at. A message to those who would use such a tactic. Be careful for it was mob rule and fear that brought the Spartans to the gates!

[newyawker99]

4. Hi Technocrat058!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Technocrat058]

5. Thanks for the welcome

Just doing my part to help inform those who want to be so informed.