Why do voters care so much about values?

Question

When did who sleeps with who become more important that substantive issues?
Additionally, since most Americans and almost all politicians are Christians, doesn't the increased emphasis on "values" (ie Christian values) edge us closer to 1st amendment violations?

Answer 1

People rely on a candidate's "values" because they are too lazy to go out and research the person's actions. They rely on what the candidate says and how hardcore he says it rather than what he or she actually does.
I have found most Americans don't have an opinion on most issues except the ones that have been pre-thought-through for them. That is essentially the role that Christianity plays in the contemporary United States - a sort of cheat sheet so lazy people don't have to make decisions when it comes to politics, personal identity, and ideas about mysticism and death.

The founding fathers of the US were smart enough to know that they needed to outline the law in a way that made equal rights available to all people regardless of their religous creed. Even though they were mostly Christians, they recognized that (even in the 1700's), that they had no right to impress their beliefs on others via the government. It is reprehensible that we have allowed politicians to take that back from us to the extent that they already have.

Answer 2

"Additionally, since most Americans and almost all politicians are Christians, doesn't the increased emphasis on "values" (ie Christian values) edge us closer to 1st amendment violations?"

The answer is no.

Answer 3

No, values are important because it describes a character. I don't think its just religious institutions but the fact that all citizens desire a candidate with integrity as a role model and courage to decide correctly in chaos. Background is important as to the relevance of the life's experience to what is said on the record. Arguably the National-Union Party has stood for voters' right with their aggressive lobbying for better voting system thus the system on their website, http://www.voteprimous.com, to end voters' discrimination winning their party at least 38% up to 78% of women, seniors, and minorities.

Answer 4

Maybe it "edges us closer" to a 1st amendment violation. Maybe not as the 1st amendment covers America's right to be Christians (or any other religion).

When we are already violating the 1st amendment with Hate Speech laws why do you care about a violation that hasn't occured?

Answer 5

Values are what matter more than anything else. There are a lot of potential candidates who can be considered competent (even a few democrats), but I'll take a person of character over any of them.

And precisely how would being a Christian and voting for someone with whose views one agrees be a first amendment violation? I'm the citizen; I'm the one for whom that amendment guarantees that freedom.

Answer 6

Because values reveal beliefs and character.

The American majority (Christians) are clearly the ones being imposed on today.

Answer 7

it's hypocracy really.. but the thinking is for example, if you can't trust a guy to not cheat on his wife, then how can you trust him with the big stuff.. Christian values is an oxymoron just like plastic glasses and baggy tights.

Answer 8

because values are very important to each and every individual of this country, without it we just as well be just another 3rd world country that wallowing in poverty, social disgrace and economic chaos... without values our country will be no morals, and no morality leads to lawlessness and chaotic existense.