I live in New Hampshire, and over the next year we get a chance to meet all the candidates running for President. They wander through town frequently and often stop to talk in small diners and on street corners, plus meeting in living rooms of local party activists and supporters.
Religion has played a big role in recent elections, primarily on behalf of conservative Christians. But Atheists make up betweeen 8 and 15% of the population, more than enough to tip a close election.
So, what questions specifically geared toward atheists' interests should the candidates answer in debate sessions and other forums over the next year?
What positions would you like to see them articulate as they prepare to take to the national stage?
2007-01-22 14:53:40 · 9 answers · asked by NHBaritone 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
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So I get the most input from the most people, I'm going to let the community vote on this one.
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2007-01-23 10:07:57 · update #1
Provided candidates keep their religion out of politics I wouldn't care what they were, same as their sex lives.
2007-01-22 14:59:10 · answer #1 · answered by fourmorebeers 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Once you understand there is actually little difference between the two parties, it becomes a little easier. Both Liberals and Conservatives believe in big government. Liberals want big government to provide a social safety net, to protect the environment, to keep business honest (meaning: not allowing them to flush our retirement funds), and to protect the rights and safety of working people. Conservatives like big government to keep an eye on US, to monitor our Internet usage, to peek into our bedrooms to make sure we're having Christian-approved sex lives, and to protect the interests of the extremely rich.
I came to the conclusion years ago that politics is the refuge of the incompetent. People go into politics because they're failures at everything else. Bush is a failed oil man, and the Clintons were failed attorneys and failed real-estate brokers.
I've pretty much given up on our system of government. The best I can hope for is to be left alone.
2007-01-22 15:10:22 · answer #2 · answered by link955 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask them if they believe in separation of church and state...and if they are capable of fairly representing other belief or non belief systems other than their own...as they are asking to represent all of the people...not only the people who happen to worship similar beliefs as they do. If a person is asking to represent our nation they must be able to respect and understand thinking from many cultures, as the position involves not only different cultures inside our own borders, but on an international scale as well. I was floored when it came out recently that the movers and shakers in Washington who were calling the shots in Iraq did not even know the basic differences between the Shiite's and the Sunni's. We need leaders who are willing to open their eyes and minds and become educated before making huge decisions that have huge impacts on millions of people. Wake up Washington!
2007-01-22 15:11:12 · answer #3 · answered by catywhumpass 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All I want is elected officials that will keep religion out of our laws and leave it to peoples' personal lives and their churches. Same with SSM. Religious views should not dominate that agenda. Personally I would like to see an amendment to the constitution defining marriage as between any 2 loving committed adults. Also would like to see state elected officials make sure that atheists in their home states can hold public office. Some states do not allow atheists to hold public office and that is wrong. I'll email you if I think of more but that is a great question. Thanks!
2007-01-22 15:06:47 · answer #4 · answered by Stormilutionist Chasealogist 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
What are your positions on abortion, stem cell research, and cloning?
How will you deal with NASA?
Will you get the U.S. out of Iraq?
Will you get rid of the Patriot Act?
Will you deal with the inmates at Guantanamo?
Do you have an IQ above that of a turnip?
Can you spell "potato"?
Are you a recovering alcoholic?
Are you a sex addict?
Have you ever shot anyone in a "hunting accident"?
Do you believe that "9/11 was an inside job"?
If America had a 7 billion dollar surplus, how would the funds be allocated?
What is your postion on prayer in schools?
Will you take "under God" out of the Pledge of Allegiance?
Will you take "In God We Trust" off the money?
Do you believe in pardoning your friends?
Do you represent the interests of the petroleum industry?
Do you represent the interests of Big Tobacco?
Do you ascribe to the Theory of Evolution or Creationism?
What is your educational background, specifically?
Have you served in the military, and if so, in what capacity?
2007-01-22 15:10:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Rand Paul. His probable biblical based ideals are oftentimes sponsored and justified with logic, to that end he's concept his actual stance by. The irony is that it very almost looks to harm him with the religious that he isn't keen to declare, because of the fact (insert religious top rhetoric). he's a economic conservative, and a realist whilst it is composed of militia spending, borrowing, entitlements, and social-protection. He does not believe in going to conflict till congress comes to a decision so(how this is meant to artwork). Proponent if international relatives as hostile to conflict. he's pragmatic; gay marriage, why does the government define marriage whilst it would uphold contracts? he's keen to verify inequality and criminal reform, and in many circumstances recognizes the undeniable fact that poverty + stupid unequally enforced regulations are to blame for inequality. He additionally acknowleges that any one can grow to be the minority for any determination or predisposed undertaking. i'm going to take s constitutionalist, libertarian leaning republican any day.
2016-11-01 01:24:45 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think Atheists would settle for somebody moderately religious. It's the politicians that let their religious beliefs direct their political beliefs - that's when you'd likely scare Atheists off.
A question that I would personally ask of a politician running:
Can you run the government without your personal religious beliefs getting in the way?
This would be important to me, since I want somebody who can run government effectively, not somebody who has a religious agenda that they're pushing.
2007-01-22 15:04:48 · answer #7 · answered by Lunarsight 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Are you able to look at issues objectively with evidence and leave religious feeling or leanings out of the decision process?
2007-01-22 15:03:45 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
LOL MY CLASS WAS TALKING ABOUT THAT TODAY!
id think...
maybe..
If i said "God" didnt exist, what would you think? (or say)
do you believe we evolved or were we just created here?
P.S. plz post results when you get them =P ty
2007-01-22 15:05:10 · answer #9 · answered by uhohspaghettiohohs 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋