Nikki Haley's confession of faith

"It's discouraging that any American political candidate feels compelled to include in her campaign material a confession of faith."

This is a misguided statement on so many levels. First and foremost, how in the world does David Waters know how Nikki Haley "feels"?? His insinuation that he holds the clairvoyance necessary to know that Nikki "feels compelled" to post a statement of faith is as unsubstantiated as the claims by those voters who believe (also without proof) that she had extramarital affairs. It might be true that she feels compelled, just as it might possibly be true that she had an affair, but David Waters certainly doesn't know the truth about either.

Second, even if it were that she felt compelled to place a statement of faith in her campaign material, how can we self-righteously presume that that compulsion was motivated by getting votes at all costs. Perhaps she really is a Christian who really wants to be known as a Christian, and her compulsion is one felt as a service for her God.

Third, religion, especially Christianity, is not something that doesn't affect a person's life, thought process, and decision-making. Why would voters not want to find out the life philosophy of a candidate who will be making decisions presumably based on that life philosophy/religion? To disregard a person's religion seems rather imprudent for voters interested in more than just image.

Fourth, the change of statement on Haley's website is not a change of belief. A committed Christian could make both statements. The second is more definitive than the first (which is probably why she changed to it), but it does not demonstrate a shift in thought.

Fifth, Pinckney's quote is that "no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification." Can David Waters be serious when implying that he believes a candidate expressing his/her religious views is akin to the government requiring a pass grade on a religious qualification in order to hold office?? Is Mr. Waters concerned at all with freedom of religion and freedom of speech?

The "discouraging" part of this whole process is not that Nikki Haley or anybody else lets voters know their religious beliefs. The discouraging part is the self-appointed religious police who want to silence all thoughtful discussion.

DAVID, why all the mentions of U.S. Senate in your piece? Do you even realize that the race was for the GOP nomination for South Carolina Governor? Washington Post has slipped.

Why is it that republicans are always forced to confess their faith?

Remember when Mitt Romney was crucified by the Dems for being a Mormon?

The coward, Harry Reid, never had to confess that he too is a Mormon.

Hey Dems, ya'll are some pieces of...work.

I hope the silent majority (remember us) kick ALL your butts OUT in November.

I pray to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that His will be done in this.

God may work in mysterious ways but Human Beings work in predictable ways. Whenever religion associates itself with politics, bad things happen.

The founding fathers understood this. Anyone who professes his or her religious beliefs as part of their qualifications for public office is engaging in cynical manipulation.

Bush's famous, "J.C. is my favorite philosopher" statement during the Presidential debates stands as one of the most disgusting displays of pandering in the history of politics, Sure, he cemented the support of Evangelical Christians and then proceeded to go to War for Jesus, destroy the economy, ignore the Constitution, install corporatists on the SCOTUS and otherwise destroy the fabric of America.

Religion (if you believe any of that junk) is fine. Go ahead, but keep it out of politics. It's poison!

Religion is important. It defines a person's belief in who he is. Readers will recall the hate fueled anti-Mormon diatribes against Mitt Romney over being a "non-Christian". (The claim is based on Mormonism's belief in the Christ as described in the bible and their rejection of the fourth century Greek philosopher's version known as Trinitarianism.) The point is, most Americans believe in a version of God which arose out of the Abrahamic covenant. They may debate the finer points but a belief in God exists and, in most people, is fundamental to their identity. It seems logical to this writer that those who defame another based solely on religion have no real religion - they have a tradition. This tradition demands no moral search for good or commonality but exists just to exclude, defame and divide. So it is with the attacks on Haley. They are purely political and not theological. Canny voters will recognize such as evil, having nothing to do with God, except to use Him as a weapon.

I don't disagree with people who reject religion as a qualifier for public office. I can understand their sense that a candidate's profession of belief is just a political prop. Christianity, for example, has mixed religion with politics as a means of furthering the "work" from near its beginning. So has Islam. It continues today in both. That must have been the reasoning behind the founding father's decision to separate the two in law. Politics and religion do not mix and serves only to inhibit the free exercise of both. However, among people who practice their religion faithfully, they want to know if the candidate relates to them in any meaningful way. Just as some voters demand that an African-American candidate be "black enough" in some communities, so religiously faithful want to know the bone-fides of someone seeking their vote. It is expected and even demanded in some circles. Non-religious people should understand the profession of one's religion in the same light as they would the cultural demands of other communities.

It would be interesting to see how far she would have gotten in the race if she was still Sikh. I guarantee you she would not be in the run-off in two weeks even if her political views were exactly the same, no matter what her religious preference and that's pathetic.

My earlier post didn't take so I'm retyping it.

So the CBN is saying she's not Christian enough even though they stopped short of using the "ragh**d" word? Now you're saying that her proclaimed Christianity has no place in the election. She's damned if she does and damned if she doesn't. Any of us living in SC know how deeply the people are entrenched in their self-righteousness and hypocrisy. Just last night I attended a get-together of people watching the election returns. I was only minutes into my conversation with a candidate for State Representative when his wife asked me what church I belonged to. She did her best to hide her disgust when I said "None". I hope I don't come across as a non-believer but I want the readers to know the landscape (and landmines) that Nikki has to maneuver through here.

I'm sure you've heard that weddings and funerals bring out the worst in people. Put ELECTIONS at the top of that list.

Gandhi: "I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."

We constantly hear about the Christian Right. Ironically, there was a Christian Left , created about 2000 years ago based on love, hope, charity, inclusion, and forgiveness.

NikkiHaley like her fellow traveler, Bobby Jindal, is a consummate politician Both knew that for any political aspirations to come to fruition in the puritanical south they would have to convert to Christianity. Jindal was raised a Hindu while Haley was raised as a Sikh. They both know deep down that an Eskimo is more likely to ascend to the House of Saud than a Sikh or a Hindu to the post of governor in either South Carolina or Louisiana.

I like the ideas being advanced by both and since Christianity is a litmus test in both states regardless of what the constitution of either state says, then they did the right thing. However, I have a bridge to sell if anyone wants to really believe that either of them is a real Christian whatever that may mean.

Science seeks truth; everything else is merely opinion. Using that as the premise, it is easy to discuss and often disagree on the inseparable state of politics and religion, regardless of Constitutional implications. While taking a contrarian view with many fellow Americans; hopefully, sanity will eventually prevail in what is now the Ultra-Conservative's pursuit of another "Dark Ages" of scientific denial, theocratic governance, and narrow interpretation of American ideals and liberties.

Many of today's loudest voices reflect hate, anger, and self-interest. Expressed by the shouts of so-called patriotic slogans, normally financed by special interest groups, and all with an agenda of being "Against" whatever change the American majority elected. The megaphones of conservative media appear to fan the flames of the worst of human emotions. This is insanity. Whether because many are undereducated, still fighting the Civil War (Perry's secession), historically racist, or the base of the Christian Right; many in the country have demonstrated a "through the straw" view of America and the world. This ultra-conservative perspective appears unable to interpret with any depth today's multicultural society, the environment, economic and energy realities, and our global relationships.

Interestingly, the Christian Right has become a predominately conservative mega-lobby, seemingly forgetting those virtues of love, hope, charity and forgiveness that would have made them the Christian Left of 2000 years ago. Many Christians may never face the truth that historically there have been few religions, if any, that have imperialistically conducted or apathetically approved of mass murder and genocide, torture, enslavement, displacement, aggressive cultural/religious indoctrination, and massive child abuse close to the extent of the post-Christ Christian movement. The arrogance of "I'm right and you're wrong" dogma only promotes divisiveness and is dangerous extremism for any religion.

Additionally, the far right now provides audience for the leadership who would trade constructive dialog and deliberation for "NO", including no ideas, no solutions, and no future. To this segment, the good of the many does "not" outweigh the good of the few, a minority (non-Christian) position of self-interest. This polarizing soapbox provides for great political fund raising, but for terrible governing.

Our future is about intellectually digesting information and mis-information, filtering motive and message, and deciding what direction will move our country forward rather than backward. Or, some can and will follow the propaganda promoting an "Idiocracy" for all of us. Our current public dialog seems to be fueling the flames of anarchy. Everyone loses in that scenario. Hate is easy; love is a challenge.

Wow! If only we could have a "real Christian" like Bush in power. Then all of America's problems would be solved!

Only in America(and Iran, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Yemen, Somalia........)....

But you see, people, Waters and Quinn and Meacham abhor "faith". They just use that title to promote their anti-American, secular progressive agenda. The very idea of 'faith' pains Waters. Quinn and Meacham will soon put Susan Jacoby in here four days a week.

I wonder what would all these hypocrites say if she was a Jew. Oh, NO, then all will be anti-semites!!! The other question what would they say if she was a Muslim. Then the racist will have a field day. Just wondering.

Discovering the truth is often like peeling an onion. The more layers you have to peel, the more you cry.

Too sad that someone would use faith in this way.

Why is it that republicans are always forced to confess their faith?
Remember when Mitt Romney was crucified by the Dems for being a Mormon?
The coward, Harry Reid, never had to confess that he too is a Mormon.
Hey Dems, ya'll are some pieces of...work.
I hope the silent majority (remember us) kick ALL your butts OUT in November.
I pray to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that His will be done in this.
Posted

****
Hey Bozo, it isn't the Dems who opposed Romney because he is a Mormon, it is the irreligious rightwing Repubs who do not believe Mormonism has anything to do with God Almighty. And, it is apparent that you are the only person in America who didn't know the Harry Reid is a Mormon.
So why not try to tell the truth before you spout off, or is lying much easier for you?? The Lord has only to read your arrogance and lies to cast you aside.
You are not a Christian, just a denigrater and liar. fritz

"Nikki Haley, the Sarah Palin-endorsed, scandal-hounded, Sikh-turned-Methodist who finished first Tuesday in a contentious South Carolina Republican primary..."

For those of us who do not live in SC, it would be nice to have a fact or two to collaborate "scandal-hounded" otherwise it sounds like an unsubstantiated slur.

Second, is it news that Sarah Palin endorses people? or is this the new code for black-balling a candidate by liberal media?

Third, is anyone besides the CBN reporter or the author of the above actually questioning her sincerity?

Those are my comments/questions on just the first sentence!

Well, maybe. But, why does it seem that every time we hear politicians go on at an awful rate about their "faith", we are merely waiting for some horrible other shoe to drop? Gingrich? Sanford? Craig? Vitter? Ensign? Soader? etc. etc.

SC has become the laughing stock of American politics.

I threw my hands up when Haley said she'd resign if anyone could come up with proof of her 2 affairs. It's as good as an admission of guilt.

It may be a surprise to some that a professed Christian can be a competent elected official and it may be a surprise to others that a professed Christian can be a consummate criminal. Professing didn’t stop the current governor from flying to his paramour or prevaricating afterwards.

It has been said that religion affects a person’s behavior, and I don’t doubt that. But how can we know what the effect is? It has also been pointed out that we can’t know what compelled Ms. Haley to change the wording of her web statement to be more definitively Christian. But we do know that this change didn’t occur on an obscure page in Facebook. It was made in a political campaign, not a personal diary. Is it so unreasonable to conclude that it was done for political effect?

David Waters concludes that the immediate political effect is to demonstrate for the electorate that candidate Haley is a member in good standing of the group socially qualified to lead. He contends that this violates the spirit behind the prohibition of religious tests for public office. I contend that it reduces Christian professions to mere boilerplate political testimony and mocks its spiritual content.

When she is governer and Carolina has any issues she can just practice exorcism and it will work wonders like it has in the other looney-run state--Louisiana.

Ah to be a Hypochristian, always falling over oneself to sin and then be forgiven.

This bjtch will throw you and blow
you before you can flip her and dick her !!!!!

Nimrata (Nikki) converted to Methodist but still attends both services Christian and Sikh. Sikh is the warlike sect of Hinduism having one family member usually join to protect and give revenge for the pacifist Hindu family. Revenge and Christian belief cannot co-inside, the name change was made for political purposes. Is there shame in having a Indian name? She may try to hide her heritage from those with bias, but in an open society they will find out. While I condemn those with bias, you wonder if she is nothing but a carpetbagger.

Is it not tragic that modern Americans believe in irrational religious views. Sikhism is a religion founded in North West India and rejects Hindu caste system and was at loggerheads with Islam. While Islam is based on Christianity. And both are middle East religions with not much difference at all.

It is more important to be Ethical irrespective of religious views.

Politician should be honest , hard working and trust worthy.

There is no value in religion if person is dishonest.

Why is it bad for a candidate for public office to be a person of faith, and to acknowledge that faith?

I could care less about her sex life. She needs to be careful though or else she'll get AIDS.

Posted by: nopinko

nopinko question: Why is it that republicans are always forced to confess their faith?

MY ANSWER--Because the Republican party enforces a religion litmus test on it candidates. And there is only one right answer and that is "I am a Born Again Christian". Any other answer is cause for immediate disqualification
!

nopinko question: Remember when Mitt Romney was crucified by the Dems for being a Mormon?

MY ANSWER----I do remember when Mitt Romney was crucified for his Mormon beliefs but it was at the hands of the REPUBLICANS not the Democrats. Liberals have been declared the "Godless" by the Republicans because the Democrats don't care what a politicians' religious beliefs are, if you even have any, you just need to be able to win.

nopinko said: The coward, Harry Reid, never had to confess that he too is a Mormon.

MY ANSWER---We all knew, Republicans & Democrats, for the longest time that Harry Reid is a Mormon. Senator Reid has for years listed his religion as part of his bio. How does that make him a coward?

nopinko said: Hey Dems, ya'll are some pieces of...work.

I hope the silent majority (remember us) kick ALL your butts OUT in November.

MY ANSWER--- It is obvious that your brand of religion DOES NOT make up the majority of the voting block ( why else are your candidates losing) and you guys were never silent nor motivated by love for your neighbor.

nopinko said: I pray to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that His will be done in this.

MY ANSWER---I AGREE COMPLETELY WITH YOU ON THIS POINT!
-----------------------------------------

Whenever a politician, especially a right-wing radical like Nikki Haley, starts thumping their bible and talking about God or Jesus, I hold on to my wallet.

God forbid (pun intended) this woman becoming SC governor.

readme1 wrote: While Islam is based on Christianity. And both are middle East religions with not much difference at all.

**********************

Islam is founded on the teachings of a dead prophet. Christianity is founded on the teachings of a risen savior. There is a world of difference between the two religions.

This is SOUTH Carolina; Ms. Haley has every right to be as idiotic and sexually promiscuous as Gov. Sanford, Sens. DeMint and that little-boy fellow Graham.

As to her religion, if she is an apostate Sikh, that is sufficient to discount any other religious claim.

Climber!

Islam is illustrated as the male and female parts of the human body essential for of pro-creation - the most beautiful moment of life. Christianity is illustrated through the man on a cross, the pain of which stops time and eternity of hell is created. Indeed there is a world of difference between the two religions. I prefer Islam.

Islam, Christian, Sikh, Jew, whatever... When you bring your faith into politics and make it a cornerstone of your platform you already have become ignorant, the more you push it the more useless a politician you become. Those who demand a certain religious belief in their politicians tend to be very ignorant of the world around them, and busy themselves identifying those who will join them when the rapture comes.

Religion & politics and government is probably the single highest killer of human beings in human history.

-

Going to church doesn't make you a christian anymore than standing in a garage makes you a car. Who cares what religion someone is? What matters is character. Please remember where religion got us in 2000-2008.

Though I don't live in SC, I'm still waiting for the issue of her alleged infidelity to be resolved. I WOULD like to know if her pledge of 100% faithfulness to her husband is actually true. For me, it's not just a religious issue, its also an issue of trust. If she 'fooled around' on her husband, she's more likely to 'fool around' in her ethical practices and destroy her State's trust too.

If those infidelity accusations are found to be true, I expect Nikki Haley to keep her word that she would resign from her job. Though in reality, I more fully expect Nikki Haley to lie her way out of those accusations, and not keep her campaign promise. She'd lie to get the job, and lie to keep the job because it represents 'power' and 'money'.

Let us really see which is more important to Nikki Haley, her promises and religious beliefs, OR her desire for 'power'. (Statistically speaking, I can bet that her desire for 'power' wins out over her religious beliefs, and that she'll use the "God wants me to have this job" excuse.)

If the infidelity accusations against Nikki Haley are found to be true, what will Ms. Morality Sarah Palin do?

Invent a new 'animal' name to call herself in defense of Nikki Haley?(probably)
Realize that her 'endorsement' is worthless, that maybe her little 'grizzly bear cubs' weren't of the high moral standard she said they were?(should, but won't)
Call upon Nikki Haley to resign, as she said she would do?(probably not)
Quietly go home to take care of her own family? (not likely, SP loves attention, even if its bad attention)
Attack the news media for exposing the truth of Nikki Haley's infidelity instead of chastising Nikki Haley for lying? (most likely!!)

Dear Mr. Waters,
Who could give your research, statements of fact or conclusions any weight when your beginning is so erroneous. I certainly could not.

Based on past politics in South Carolina, these allegations of infidelity should have been expected from the candidates far behind Ms. Haley in the polls, and no one should be shocked by them.

Nopinko wrties: "I hope the silent majority (remember us) kick ALL your butts OUT in November.

I pray to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that His will be done in this."

and doesn't see how badly the first sentiment accords with the second. Or at least, that's what my Bible tells me. Maybe he uses a different one?

David Waters makes interesting points but his main thrust is logically flawed. Nikki Haley's faith may or may not be sincere--that is up to God to judge. However, it is probably politically advantageous in SC to profess Christianity. Politicians of both parties have done so quite regularly and shamelessly, such as Bush, Carter, and Clinton in their presidential runs. That is a political choice that they have a right to make. Appealing to the "Christian" voter is no different than appealing to the environmental voter, the pro-defense voter, the anti-tax voter, etc . . . The candidate has the right to make such an appeal and the voter has the right to heed that appeal or reject it. It's a free country with free speech after all. Waters' implication that such religious professions are akin to a religious test for office is nonsensical because candidates are not legally required to make a "Christian" profession to become governor or president--they do so out of their own free will for their own reasons.
However, what Waters stumpled upon that is historically interesting is the fact that the First Amendment and the "no religious test" clause of the Federal Constitution were meant by our founding fathers to apply solely to the Federal Government. The Founders never intended to impose "separation of church and state" on all the states--only on the Federal Government. States such as Massachusetts maintained an established state church well into the 1800's and states had long maintained "religious tests" for office. Some such as South Carolina's watered down version still survive today. The founders built a structure with maximum freedom for the states to determine their own social and religious fabric. It was only later on, starting in the 1900s, that the Supreme Court departed from the Founders' intent and reinterpreted the First Amendment and other constitutional clauses to apply to the States (in legalese, this is called the doctrine of incorporation). There is a lot of historical and legal ignorance when it comes to "separation of church and state" and the original intended power of the states within the U.S. Federal structure.

The pathetic Christians continue to sublimate their obvious misgivings about a religion that has failed at all levels: From the Inquistion to the subjugation of third world peoples, to the complicity of Popes in both 19th century World Wars, to the random and wanton killing of Moslems in an ill-conceived Crusade against Islam (thanks to the ever so religious George Bush), to the unconstitutional (yes, unconstitutional) pandering to some bogus revisionism of 18th century framers of the Constitution, to the rigid litmus test for Tea Party candidates who now feel compelled to air their O-So-Pious self indulgence to the public, to the insane rationalization that killing doctors is justifiable.

But what else could one expect from those who believe in Ascension, Immaculate Conception, Original Sin, miracles, ghosts, demons, and have further thrown reason and logic aside to embrace bizarre rituals and 1st century morality?

It's too bad I don't live in SC. Then I could vote for someone opposing this panderer.

Just once, I'd like to see a candidate say, "It's really not the public's business to which deity, if any, I pray. Vote for me based on the issues."

nopinkos' Bible must have an alternate verse quoting Jesus, "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to kick liberal butt."

Talk about a brood of vipers! Here are some real verses nopinko and his ilk may contemplate:

"The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do."

"Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: 'This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'"

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness."

A humorous discussion of religious values at a leading humanist newspaper, which needs to check daily to see what the current values are.

The real fact is that religion is always going to be in the political arena. Whether you belive in Jesus Christ or some one else, it is going to play a part in the way you think and the decisions that you make. So to say that you are discouraged by Ms. Haley's religious statement about her faith and is not a qualification for public office is rather absurd. All candidates that run for office have some sort of "religious"(belief)thought that guides their decision process(right or wrong).
Also, since you are into throwing rocks, just remember that "he who is without sin, let him cast the first stone".
I guess that you never do/did anything wrong and if you think that way it is only in your on eyes.
The next time you get ready to stone someone, I suggest that you start with yourself.

nopinko said: I pray to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that His will be done in this.

Nopinko, like all hypocritical, religion-on-their-sleeve Christians, blatantly contradicts himself. Why is that it is only God's-will when Republicans are elected. Heard this numerous times during the Bush presidency: "God put Bush in office for a reason." As if it wasn't God's will that Clinton or Obama ascended to the presidency? Was/is it God's will that Dems took back the Congress in '06?? And, as noted, where would the demand for religious tolerance be were this a Muslim?? Oh, thats right, it would be non-existent: see all the derogatory comments and lies regarding Obama's supposed Muslim-religion (such as being sworn in on the Koran), or the vitriol directed at Keith Ellison (an actual Muslim). Moreover, it's not the Dems that are critical; it's the same "Family Values" people, such as James Dobson, who refused to support Romney (until it was politically expedient):
"I don't believe that conservative Christians in large numbers will vote for a Mormon but that remains to be seen, I guess," Mr. Dobson.

So who has the litmus test?

Why is it that republicans are always forced to confess their faith?

Remember when Mitt Romney was crucified by the Dems for being a Mormon?

The coward, Harry Reid, never had to confess that he too is a Mormon.

Hey Dems, ya'll are some pieces of...work.

I hope the silent majority (remember us) kick ALL your butts OUT in November.

I pray to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that His will be done in this.

Posted by: nopinko
________
What absolute and utter nonsense! Who voted in the Republican primaries in 2008? It was your brethren in the Religious Right auxiliary wing of the Republican Party who voted against Romney. And it was because he is in the Church of the LDS.The majority of that wing voted for Rev. Huckabee.

Jesus, save us from your followers!

A politician professing their "fidelity to Christ" just wouldn't fly in New York State. Why, voters have the "religious maturity of adults" rather then the "religious maturity of 5 year olds," meaning New Yorkers know that if a politician is desparate enough to "USE CHRIST" or their religious beliefs as a political crutch then they aren't worth voting for. You can't bribe a voter in New York State with the "jesus" candy only in the South will that kind of stuff go down.

Fidelity to Jesus, what baloney!

I looked it up and it is really true that South Carolina's constitution bars anyone who denies the existence of the supreme being from running for office. Wow. Anyone know how many other states include such language? Can a state consitution be, you know, unconstitutional?

I agree with Vijay2. Being a Hindu, and now an American citizen, I see a proximity between Islamic theocracy and Christianity as practiced in USA.

If Nikki Haley and Bobby Jindal had to convert to Christianity, and perhaps our President Barack (Hussein) Obama, to ascend to the pinnacles of power, then it is a shame. This looks like an obligation and not freedom of religion.

It is obligatory, though First Amendment exists, to convert to Christianity and then be permitted to pursue political goals. Perhaps is that the reason that no US-born citizens of Jewish heritage such as Senator Joe Liberman (I-Conn) can NEVER become the president despite all other credentials ?

Probably, it is because of this reason that Americans (black/white/other skin color) are skeptical of allowing immigrants to come in. Amongst many reasons, they believe deep down that Bible thumping groupies of the club 700 (Reverend Pat Robertson) have more legitimate claims to the throne. Thus, all religions maybe equal, but my religion (Christianity) is more equal than others.

This is a shame, at the end. Most Hindus, including myself, have respect Christ's life and teachings. We regard Jesus Christ, savior of mankind, as Divine who did perform miracles. But that does not mean we have to convert and abandon our ancestral faith. This Nikki Haley and Bobby Jindal phenomenon illustrate why in India (the ancestral homeland of both) the "right-wing" Hindu fundamentalists (Bajrang Dal) are so up against the "phony" Christian missionaries. The allure to convert these poor pagan souls, is just to score brownie points with a monochromatic diety (the God of the Bible). The same allure exists here in USA. As Vijay2 points out, both converted because they wanted to ascend to power. And in both cases being a non-Christian but with desire to rise to political power was their only sin. They surrendered their souls, but to Christianity.

The striking similarity is here: in Pakistan and other Islamic countries no non-Muslim can be holding government positions. The Chief Justice of Supreme Court in Pakistan, was a Hindu: Bhagwandas Rana. However his brother had to convert to Islam as a civic obligation.

Sounds familiar in USA ?

The writing on this blog continues to flummox me. Sad that someone running for office professes their faith? On what planet, exactly?

Nikki Haley's birth name: Nimrata Randhawa

Parents' religion: Sikh.

Haley's religion (until she discovered American politics): Sikh

"Haley.... has said she attends both services." ~ www.miamiherald.com/2010/06/04/1663047/sc-state-sen-knotts-uses-racial.html#ixzz0qSQIsvVD

Why can't she be honest about who and what she is?

It's a personal thing, and I find it odd
you would question my believing in a personal God
I'm devout, I'm sincere, ask my mother if you doubt it
I'm religious, but I'd rather not get radical about it

I'm devout, I'm sincere, and I'm proud to say
That it's had exactly no effect on who I am today
I believe, for the benefit of all mankind,
In the total separation of church and mind

It's a personal thing, and I plainly speak
(from the same code of ethics that I held last week)
as I promised if elected this election day
with the help of God almighty... I'll do it my way

I'm less concerned about what they claim before they are elected than how they act afterwards. Accurate labeling is a good thing. My problem is when the label on the package does not match the contents. That can be poisonous.

This is depressing. Is anyone praying for the oil to stop gushing in the gulf, that the economy turns around, that peace comes to the Mideast, or for solutions to the myriad of other problems plaguing mankind? It is certain that someone somewhere is doing this. Why haven't prays been answered? Is God not listening or is it maybe he doesn't care? Perhaps we are alone in this, and a politician’s religious affiliation is immaterial. Other than giving an individual psychic comfort (much like hugging a teddy bear), there appears to be no practical usefulness for prayer in solving our problems. Seeking supernatural help is an indication that we have run out of realistic solutions. What possible difference can it make as to what particular brand of mumbo jumbo a leader will resort to in desperation? For every prayer answered, millions go unheeded, or no more than one would expect considering the laws of probablility.

I’ll be writing about my affair with Nikki on my blog.(bestleonard.com) I usually update it on Fridays.

Two Thoughts: Classic Southern Bible Belt pandering at it's finest! And-doesn't she look like Angie Harmon?

I'm looking for competence in government, not faith. A Christian, Jew, Muslim, Sikh Satanist or atheists who gains office can inept and corrupt. Faith doesn't imply common sense or ability.

lynn36867: "The writing on this blog continues to flummox me. Sad that someone running for office professes their faith? On what planet, exactly?"

On earth - many of whose inhabitants still, for some reason, view a confluence of peronal superstitions as a (if not the) primary qualification for public office.

As a Sikh i'm sad she converted - even sadder that it may have been for political reasons,i live in the UK and we have members of parliament and local councillors who are SIkh ,Hindu, Muslim and jews - there is no pressure at all to convert - real freedom. Its so sad that the America "the land of the free" has so much religious bigotry and it just reinforces the poor view Europeans have of the deep south states and the bible belt

How's South Carolina any different from Iran? Haley's detractors are no better than the Mullahs in Iran.

"It's especially discouraging that this particular confession is being made in South Carolina..."

Charles Pinckney aside, South Carolina has had the nation's most backwards, idiotic politics since the Declaration of Independence, which they refused to sign until an explicit defense of slavery was included. Since then, they were first to secede in 1861; sent Strom Thurmond to the Senate until he almost couldn't get out of bed; and offered a license plate explicitly endorsing Christianity.

Their politics needn't be extrapolated to the rest of the nation.

Like in every field of activity in the US, masquerading one's religions affiliation (mainly Christianity) as a badge of belongingness, legitimacy, social acceptance and economic advancement is an undeniable fact of life. Forget about the values that Christ espoused for Christians - it's a label and a nice marketing tool. So whatever Nikki or Bobby profess to advance as politicians, it's still pandering to the masses to advance a personal career goal.

Posted by: nopinko

I hope the silent majority (remember us) kick ALL your butts OUT in November.

I pray to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that His will be done in this.
---------------------------------

The sad thing here is that if the Democrats aren't kicked out in November, you'll assume Christ's will was not done. Probably in your mind the only thing Jesus could possibly want is a Republican victory.

Wonder where Jesus was the last two elections?

Please convert back Nikki - do you really need to pander to these christian bigots. Believe in a religiion that belives in tolerance of other beliefs

The CBN.com interview is another back-handed attempt by Pat Robertson (the very consummate "Christian" thief) to denigrate Nikki Haley (of whatever religious persuasion). Pat is the worst example of a money-hungry, conniving politician wearing that very very insincere mask of sanctimony and relgiosity. It's a disgrace that he used the prefix "Reverend" to advance his wealth.

Rather than advertising their religion, it would be so much more interesting if politicians kept their religion private and had us select then based on their acts.

Well, maybe the Democratic winner in the SC primary for the US Senate will win in November. He is the ultimate outsider, not really even campaigning. His only cloud is an arrest for showing some porn pictures to a USC coed and apparently being thrown out of the miliary for unspecified reasons. Well, I'm sure they were specified in the military proceedings just not specified by the candidate. He is currently unemployed, but is hoping to become a US Senator. Let's wish him luck.

slam is illustrated as the male and female parts of the human body essential for of pro-creation - the most beautiful moment of life. Christianity is illustrated through the man on a cross, the pain of which stops time and eternity of hell is created. Indeed there is a world of difference between the two religions. I prefer Islam.

Posted by: ridagana | June 10, 2010 6:56 AM
________________

Yes you are correct. Christians are taught to turn the other cheek. Muslims just cut it off.

As and American with an Indian origin and a ex Hindu (atheist now), I am disgusted that she had to change her religion to run for office. Even an arguably unsophisticated electorate in India does not require a Member of Parliment to change religion for political convinience. The South of our country is the pits. ..Anyway I am rooting for her to win the primary but hope (I realize it is unlikely) she gets her backsided handed to her in November!!

Repubs are required to profess their faith in a higher power and Dems are required to profess their faith in secular gov't. Same difference.

Like some people are advocating, I do not think Waters' critique is a response or attack on some kind of religious zealotry by Haley. At the same time, I think it is arguably inevitable that Haley is using these religious references to leverage the large Christian constituency throughout South Carolina. As a Christian, perhaps I would too.

However, as a friend of many Christians and Sikhs alike, I understand the need to underscore the importance or religious freedom and why it makes America great -- Waters says this! To that end, I believe articles like this are important to keep the American mind vigilant of circumstances when those principles become blurred.

Maybe I'm biased because my last name is Waters too ;)

David Waters wrote: "It's discouraging that any American political candidate feels compelled to include in her campaign material a confession of faith."
--------------------------------------
Religion is not a much of a priority in my life but i am happy to read something like that in her campaign material. It is part of who she is.

When i take the time to judge a person running for an office, i want to get as much info on that person as possible and the candidate's religious views and/or philosophy qualifies.

Do you somehow feel threatened by the inclusion of her religious views in her campaign materials, David?

If not then how is it discouraging for you? Why does it bother you?

Why do liberals act so nutty and end up going off the deep end when dealing with serious Christians?

South Carolinians just want to be reassured that all of Haley's decisions will come directly from God, which is sure as heck better than coming from the brain of Nikki Haley.

Nopinko, get your facts right. It wasn't the democrats who criticized Romney for being a Mormon, it was the evangelicals religious right in the republican party. I know you republicans like to turn things around to suit your agenda but please this is too blatant to ignore.

I think America is the only true Christian country in the world today and that's the reason why it rules the world and will continue to rule it for the rest of man's existence.

"You know that the saints (true Christians) will rule the world, don't you?... " (1Cor.6:2)

David Water's ideas are obsolete.

more proof religion is a total fraud a nasty scam!

WELL NOW,

The randy lady Nikki isn't the FIRST
meandering type to run to religion
for cover, would she.

Her PR types should've advised somthing else to prove she's snow white. Frankly
the dragging of her little son around
even into the voting booth to scream her
'family values'...

in view of the fact that others have children too, that they don't use.. was too obvious.

One thing the writer overlooks, is this: Christians, a strong majority in South Carolina, are concerned about the assault by government and secularists on religious expression in American culture. Atheists and fellow travelers are trying to push religion and the public expression of it in the the dark corners of American life. When someone like Nikki Haley provides details of her faith, it's to assure voters that they have someone running for office who is sympathetic with their concerns about attempts to limit religious expression and religious activity in public life.

Her expression of faith may be "discouraging," but it is for reasons the writer does not fully comprehend.

Bryanmcoleman wrote:

"When i take the time to judge a person running for an office, i want to get as much info on that person as possible and the candidate's religious views and/or philosophy qualifies."

No, that's religious fanaticism like it or not. Muslims will enforce the Shariah law unashamedly by force, and Christians (I mean of Reverend Robertson's variety), thump the Bible and hide behind God's message to be projected as Divine, but probably not turn violent - to display their unshaken faith in Christ's message.

Example ? Well, Mark Sanford (R), John Edwards (D-SC), John Ensign (R-NV), Bill Clinton (D-AK) etc. and etc., are basically Christian phonies. (They did swear while campaigning as "serious Christians" which made them look like above all mortal laws.) Professing to adhere Divinity, they fooled people like you by hiding behind religion.

The problem with people like you is that you cannot see beyond a cheeseburger well-topped. Thus, I am willing to wager that if a crook came campaigning on a Sunday neatly dressed in a black trousers, white shirt, bespectacled, with a Bible in his hand, you guys would root for him because he appears religious. Voters like you place equate personal morality and integrity with faith in Christianity. (I am sure that the SC constitution when it says the candidate must have faith in Divine, it implies the "Divinity of the Christian Bible".)

Judging this view of yours (and your likes) the prophecies of the Bible (and Nostradamus) may come to fruition. For the Anti-Christ shall appear as religious, devout and shall sway people with his gift of the gab. Being swayed by one's (false) professing of religion is a sure sign we unbelievers cannot miss before the final rapture.

In representative-consensual regimes, minority religious sects are often democratic. They tend to rally against anything resembling THE official religion. In other words, for the sake of survival, they strive to keep religion out of party politics, at least at the national level.

However, if a once minority sect manages to command the allegiance from 20 pct or more of the national population, its idea of democracy will likely be irremediably compromised. Its leaders will behave like the "official" stuff, playing raw politics and trying to impose their ideological preferences on the population as a whole.

Theocracy, we must remember, is the dream regime of most organized religions. And their dream is among the contemporary democrat's worst nightmares.

"It's discouraging that any American political candidate feels compelled to include in her campaign material a confession of faith."

I agree. It shows that this person is willing to suspend rationality for superstition to get the vote of people who believe in the supernatural.

Hard to believe that we are living in the 21st Century. In many respects it seems we are suspended in the Dark Ages especially in South Carolina.

When an announced atheist can win public office - then and only then will I believe there's no religious test for public office.

I'm Jewish. I've gotten along very well with the Sikhs I've been lucky enough to know, despite being slightly uncomfortable with the symbolic dagger. I have no objections to Christians, either, but I somehow wish that more of them would pay attention to some of the things Jesus advocated - feeding the hungry, healing the sick, caring for the poor, bringing about peace. I don't object to a bit of preaching, if those other things come first. The policies Nikki Haley seems to associate herself with don't seem very Christian (or very Sikh, either.) Perhaps that's why she feels a need to preach.

what a sad commentary on SC and America that fidelity to the Huckabee's twisted, cherry-picked version of an intolerant, white supremacist hijacked "Christ" is more important than integrity in leading in a fair and inclusive democracy

"Religion and political expediency go beautifully hand in hand.
--Friedrich Durrenmatt"

Especially true for Republican politicians
who make a habit of wearing their religion on their sleeves.

"Religion and political expediency go beautifully hand in hand.
--Friedrich Durrenmatt"

Especially true for Republican politicians
who make a habit of wearing their religion on their sleeves.

Atheists are truly idiots. They say that there is no God and yet not a single part of a person's body (eyes, hair, skin, hundreds more) can they recreate from soil.

21st Century idiots.

If only these idiots would keep silent for a year, Doomsday would not occur.

Yup. I wrote of South Carolina voters concern about hostility toward religion in America and Haley's expression of faith to assure them, and then I read all the comments on this board.

Most of them illustrate my point perfectly. Which just goes to show that we are a people becoming more and more ignorant of-- and intolerant toward-- people of faith.

Let's call it what it is: "secular inhumanism."

If only these idiots would keep silent for a year, Doomsday would not occur.

Posted by: spidermean2 | June 10, 2010 11:33 AM
***********
"Doomsday", isn't that when all of you good
Christians will ascend to heaven, leaving the rest of us to suffer horrible deaths?
Why do you want to delay it? Feel like singing "Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk".

I think the GOP should have a website like IsleptwithNikkiHaley.com so that all the GOP operatives and bloggers can register their one-night-stand with Nikki.

I honestly do not care who she slept with as long as she is not a hypocrite. Just goes to show that the GOP uses GOP tactic on themselves. There may be honor amongst thieves but not amongst the GOP.

-

nopinko exclaimed: Why is it that republicans are always forced to confess their faith? Remember when Mitt Romney was crucified by the Dems for being a Mormon?

_____________________________________________

Wrong.
What we remember is Rush Limbo telling his dittos the Dems crucified Mitt and Repubs were always put upon.

The Dems never said/did any such thing. Your Party's leader made it up.

"Yup. I wrote of South Carolina voters concern about hostility toward religion in America"

The problem isn't hostility toward religion per se - no one is going around saying that we should close down churches or otherwise prevent people from worshiping with their fellow religionists. The problem is when people try and impose their religious beliefs on the rest of us via the government. That is where the true intolerance comes in - those who think that America should give their own particular religion a special status and make laws based upon that particular religions beliefs. That is where the true intolerance is - by those seeking to impose their own religion on the rest of us.

I think America is the only true Christian country in the world today and that's the reason why it rules the world and will continue to rule it for the rest of man's existence.

"You know that the saints (true Christians) will rule the world, don't you?... " (1Cor.6:2)

David Water's ideas are obsolete.

Posted by: spidermean2 | June 10, 2010 10:56 AM
Report Offensive Comment

########################################

Arrogance is a sin, you know.

spidermean2

You wrote, "I think America is the only true Christian country in the world today and that's the reason why it rules the world and will continue to rule it for the rest of man's existence."

Didn't Jesus say, "My Kingdom is not of the world"?

Didn't Jesus also say, "I have come to serve, not to be served"?

You also wrote, "You know that the saints (true Christians) will rule the world, don't you?... " (1Cor.6:2)"

1Cor6:2 says absolutely nothing about "the saints (true Christians)", as you put it, ruling the world, what it says, is that the "holy ones will judge the world".

Seems as if the "twistation" of the bible is alive and well.

Jesus did not become One of us and do what He did, for us to set up a theocracy on this planet.

Jesus, becoming One of us, is part of God's Plan that is not only for ALL OF HUMANITY but is also for ALL OF CREATION.

God's Kingdom: the new heavens and the new earth.

Christianity is not about "worldly power" as you seem to think.

As it says, "My Ways are not your ways and My Thoughts are not your thoughts", sound familiar? Know Who this saying refers to?

See you all in the Kingdom, as I have said: God wins, satan loses, a tie is absolutely and utterly unacceptable.

Take care, be ready.

Sincerely, Thomas Paul Moses Baum.

Doomsday is when all the idiots self-destruct. That is it's true definition.

If a person wants to be safe, stay away from these idiots. Hundreds of kilometers away.

Talking about imposing one's belief, isn't the idiots imposing their evolution theory in school?

There are THREE valid reasons why evolution is false. I hope all evolutionists read this so I don't keep on repeating myself.

Reason no. 1 -- it is impossible that a single-celled bacteria can become or transform into a two-celled bacteria or into a multiple-celled organism. There is no available science to explain such a fairy tale. This is the myth of evolution.

Reason no. 2 - soil and water existed before any living thing existed. It is impossible that those brainless substances (soil and water) can form by themselves a very complex matter called plants and animals. There is no available science to explain that such a transformation is possible. This is the myth of evolution.

Reason no. 3 -- Science is the study of nature. Engineering is part of that kind of science. Engineers took many years to extract energy from sunlight but even at this moment they are still scratching their heads how plant leaves has been doing it for eons already. The level of intelligence nature demonstrates is just beyond human intelligence. The only probable explanation is the existence of a Supremely Intelligent Creator.

With these THREE valid reasons, I don't think I mentioned faith or religion. EVOLUTION IS A MYTH BASED ON REASON.

IF they have to open their mouths to declare a faith, then they have zero. Pocketbooks and actions tell you whether the person is a devout believer in any religion. People to buy the best, eat at fancy restaurants, and live the good life, have no values to recommend them.

The Bible is true. It is prophesied that true Christians will rule the world.

You may believe it or not but that is the prophecy.

There are many verses that will attest to this. Im not quoting them.

A Republican candidate stressing their mainstream Christianity as if it qualifies them for public office is a surprise? This is hardly new. Just ask any elected Republicans who are not Christians -- good luck finding one.

I am a secular humanist, an atheist. I am not hostile towards religion or expressions of faith by others. I am hostile towards ideologues and people that believe that they have all the answers and that their particular belief system is the one AND ONLY. Given that this is South Carolina I understand why Ms. Haley must affirm (or reaffirm) her belief in Christianity. That so many of the comments above opine that a person who does not believe in a supreme being is unfit for public office is a sad commentary on American society. A country that was founded on the bedrock of religious toleration has become anything but.

I would prefer that all candidates submit to an intelligence test and world history test to prove something.

GPCARVALHO wrote:

"However, if a once minority sect manages to command the allegiance from 20 pct or more of the national population, its idea of democracy will likely be irremediably compromised. "

That is true, but only with a typical sect of the Abrahamic variety: ISLAM.

Please do not generalize all religions. I am hoping you have high-school diploma and did score decently on SAT.

Atheism is stupidity. Soil cannot tranform into life without a higher intelligence behind it. There is no available science to show that it can be possible. It's all wishful thinking by idiots.

Why would a person vote for an atheist fool?

spidermean2

You wrote, "Atheists are truly idiots."

Have you heard, "and whoever says, 'You fool,' will be liable to fiery Gehenna."

But not to worry because it also says, "Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny."

One could say that God has all of the bases covered so that all wil make it home.

You also wrote, "They say that there is no God and yet not a single part of a person's body (eyes, hair, skin, hundreds more) can they recreate from soil."

Considering that God made the "soil", are you saying that God could not make something out of "soil"?

Or do you think that God has to conform to the way you want God to conform to?

Seems as if you are in for quite a shock when you meet God.

Seems very likely that those that do not believe in God are going to be less shocked than you.

Is it that you have such a low opinion of God or such a high opinion of yourself?

What is really so sad is that, who would want to have anything at all to do with a god of your "conception"?

You got God's Name right but God is not the vile, lowlife, egotistical "thing" that you imagine God to be.

I have met God and God is not only a Trinity but is a Being of Pure Love.

I thank God that God is our Judge and one day ALL will.

Take care, be ready.

Sincerely, Thomas Paul Moses Baum.

This verse is found in the bible :

"The FOOL hath said in his heart that there is no God".

"The FOOL...

"The FOOL...

I hope someday that religion is completely removed from politics. I just want one candidate to stand up someday and say "I don't go to church and I don't pray to God but I live my life as a good person and I can make intelligent decisions on my own."

They would of course be crushed by all you crazies. I guy can dream.

Nopunko wrote: "Why is it that republicans are always forced to confess their faith?
Remember when Mitt Romney was crucified by the Dems for being a Mormon?"

By the Dems? LOL nice try but no. Mittens never made it out of the primaries, remember? No need for the Dems to lay a glove on him. The righwingnut KKKristians who form the GOP base did all the dirty work to finish him off.

Why would Harry Reid have to "confess" to being a Mormon? That's no hindrance to getting elected in Nevada or other western states where KKKristians don't dominate the electorate.

“Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legislative powers of government reach actions only, and not opinions, I contemplate wit”
Thomas Jefferson

A number of bloggers have mentioned that they believe religion is an important factor in deciding whom they will vote for. I would disagree. Within Christianity, for instance, we have everything from enthusiasts, who believe that the Holy spirit talks to them and motivates their every move, to fundamentalists, liberals, etc. Their stances on various issues are as varied as the American landscape. So when a candidate mentions that they are a Christian, it is, indeed, pandering - supposing that others will vote for them because of a shared religious belief - which may or may not be true. It is no indication of their stances or philosophy. Both Obama and G.W. Bush are Christians, but, oh, what a difference!

Tried and tested.

For those who truly understand the Bible, one can conclude that it is a tried and tested Word of God

Doomsday is coming very soon. WW3 will end in a nuke exchange and America which I think is the only true Christian nation on earth will continue to rule the world.

100 percent, you can bet on it.

Tried and tested.

c ya

"And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give POWER over the nations:"

Posted by: nopinko
I hope the silent majority (remember us) kick ALL your butts OUT in November.
I pray to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that His will be done in this.
___________________________________________

"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you" (Matt. 5:44)

Hmmmmmm. Your prayer and Christ's instructions do not seem to agree at all. In fact, they're contradictory. Which "Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" are you praying to?

The hypocrisy continues!

Well this ugly and misguided essay has brought out some of the usual liberal nonsense in reaction.

This requires a response:
++++++++++++++++++++
We constantly hear about the Christian Right. Ironically, there was a Christian Left , created about 2000 years ago based on love, hope, charity, inclusion, and forgiveness
+++++++++++++++++++++++

this is ideologically inspired bigotry.

The underlying assumption is that conservative christians, such as myself, aren't interested in love, hope...

Simply wrong. Wrong on so many levels.

What texascynic doesn't understand is the conservative christians are every bit as interested in the basics of living a good christian life as he (she?) (it?) is.

the difference, and this is pivotal, is that we conservatives don't believe that paying taxes is the same as charity. Using the coercive power of the government to take my hard earned money from me so others can spend it as they see fit is NOT charity and its not christian. If the government spends that money poorly, such as funding abortion, then I have a duty, as a christian, to resist the tax and spend dynamic in America.

What part of that don't liberals get?

And if the government uses the money confiscated from me to destroy segments of society, such as the alarming growth of single moms, it is clearly our duty to change the situation. Texascynic and other liberals have deluded themselves into thinking that if they hammer the taxpayers for more and more of their money they get a two fer: they get to feel good about doing "something" to solve "problems" here and they get bonus points in heaven.

Yeah right. God is gonna smile on texascynic because he was steadfastly in favor of spending other people's money.

finally, what if all that government spending doesn't actually solve the problem? Or, better yet, what if the problem is solved but the liberals want more and more.

For example, the "problem" of poverty in America is basically solved. When Michele Obama did her photo op at a soup kitchen the "poor" patrons of the place took pictures of her with the camera that is embedded in their cell phone.

Further, when the main threat to the health of the so called poor is obesity, they aren't POOR. At least not materially poor. They may be poor in spirit and therefore blessed by God, but giving them more of the money that was earned by others won't change that.

so come now liberals, why can't you be honest with America? Why won't you tell the taxpayers that you'll never get enough money. That no liberal inspired program will ever remain within its projected expense budget and that no liberal inspired government program will ever, ever, ever really end?

Texascynic if you are the christian you pretend to be, then try a little honesty.

It's not what she said but why she said it. Her commenting as she did is the best reason not to elect her.

I'm a dyslexic agnostic. I sometimes wonder if there is a Dog.

RE: "Why is it that republicans are always forced to confess their faith?
Remember when Mitt Romney was crucified by the Dems for being a Mormon?"
===========================
I don't remember Romney being "crucified" by anyone for being Mormon, let alone Democrats. My recollection - and it could be faulty - is that his religion was, however, a frequent topic among religious conservatives, most of whom were Evangelical. They tended to be the ones questioning his faith, not Democrats.

She is "scandal-embattled" because two folks made ad hominem comments about her. In this day all needs to be addressed, but for the moment No will suffice, and people with more intelligence than most news reporters understand that it isnt up to her to give a 10 year history of her goings and comings to show she didnt have motive or opportunity to sleep with these guys. The better story will be when Al Gore shows up with some California blonde, perhaps introduced to him by John Edwards.

DanWayne:

My reply to your post is to remind you what John Kennedy said. The times may be different but it illustrates what the flip side of the coin is and that remains true even today.

"To address fears that his Roman Catholicism would impact his decision-making, he famously told the Greater Houston Ministerial Association on September 12, 1960, 'I am not the Catholic candidate for President. I am the Democratic Party candidate for President who also happens to be a Catholic. I do not speak for my Church on public matters — and the Church does not speak for me.'"

i like the mood of the country - seems we are getting back to integrity and higher morals in this country and its about time. imo the majority of crimes, etc that are occurring is a direct reflection of the new low hollywood-road we have been traveling. way to go Nikki. You will be successful in November.

You can have all the "good Christians". My experience tells me that someone who runs around telling you how good a Christian they are is less likely to actually be so. Personally, I would be offended by having to say that stuff about myself. By their actions you will know them.

Just remember, South Carolina is cock-a-block full of religious right fanatics that believe Methodists to be left-wing libertines, never mind someone being of the Sikh faith. If you ain't Baptist, you're an evil threat to Christians.

To get the nomination in SC, Mrs. Haley had to work hard and overcome allegations of impropriety by scumbags on both sides of the aisle. Now, we'll see if all those Baptist "Christians" will select the best person for Governor, or vote their bias and elect one of their kind...

Politics and Religion have no place together period that is why everything is a mess go to church on Sunday or any other day or got to temple whenever but politics
is politics business is business period....... thats is what is becoming wrong with our country less secular, thats why most other countries have issues religious extremist

This sort of pseudo-christianity that spews from the mouths of these lying hypocrites makes me want to vomit. What a pathetic country we live in.

nopinko wrote:
"Why is it that republicans are always forced to confess their faith? Remember when Mitt Romney was crucified by the Dems for being a Mormon?"

================

Romney was practically crucified for his unusual religious opinions but he was crucified mostly by Rebpublicans not by Democrats.

Romney never even made it to the general election because Republicans crucified him in the primaries.

csintala79 wrote:

"This is depressing. Is anyone praying for the oil to stop gushing in the gulf, that the economy turns around, that peace comes to the Mideast, or for solutions to the myriad of other problems plaguing mankind? It is certain that someone somewhere is doing this."

I'm one of those people who do this constantly. However, we live in a fallen world, with people who are not consciously doing God's will, and as a result we don't always get puppies and rainbows.

Job wrestled with this issue after facing a number of personal disasters. What he found, at the end, was that the only answer he could have was that God sufficed.

Now, if enough people obeyed the Word of God - even the condensed form, "Have no gods before God, and love your neighbor as yourself" - we'd have fewer human-caused problems. It's worked on the village and even the small city level.

God is there, and He is willing to listen; but sometimes He tells us that "It's in My hands - and you are My hands. Get to work."

@ whatup--- sorry, dude, they're both dead. You could look it up.

nopinko:
"Remember when Mitt Romney was crucified by the Dems for being a Mormon?"

No. No I don't, actually. I do remember some questions from the other side though.

I agree with you, DanWayne Nikki Haley was not compelled to put that out on her website. She did it deliberately to garner votes pure and simple. South Carolina is one of the several backward states in the union, not withstanding the fact that Mr. Charles Pinckney hails from there. As they say one swallow does not make spring. So one Charles Pinckney in 225 years does not make South Carolina a bastion of religious tolerance and upholder of Secular values. This is the state to this day hold Storm Thurmond in high regard, speaks for it loud and clear.

We know that a persons religious faith or lack thereof has influence on their life, how they live it. The great hope is that they are disciplined and ethical enough to check their religious proclivities before they get to the public square. It really does not matter whether she felt compelled or not to put it out there, in teh public square. In my book she has utterly failed, on both counts. If she felt compelled, for not having the backbone to say I am not going to do it. If she willingly put it there then she is a willful pandrer who is trying to curry favor amongst the worst of our fellow citizens who are bigoted and intolerant. SHAME ON YOU NIKKI HALEY.

I agree with you, DanWayne Nikki Haley was not compelled to put that out on her website. She did it deliberately to garner votes pure and simple. South Carolina is one of the several backward states in the union, not withstanding the fact that Mr. Charles Pinckney hails from there. As they say one swallow does not make spring. So one Charles Pinckney in 225 years does not make South Carolina a bastion of religious tolerance and upholder of Secular values. This is the state to this day hold Storm Thurmond in high regard, speaks for it loud and clear.

We know that a persons religious faith or lack thereof has influence on their life, how they live it. The great hope is that they are disciplined and ethical enough to check their religious proclivities before they get to the public square. It really does not matter whether she felt compelled or not to put it out there, in teh public square. In my book she has utterly failed, on both counts. If she felt compelled, for not having the backbone to say I am not going to do it. If she willingly put it there then she is a willful pandrer who is trying to curry favor amongst the worst of our fellow citizens who are bigoted and intolerant. SHAME ON YOU NIKKI HALEY.

Reminds me of Mike Huckabee's Christmas message with a holy glowing bookcase cross in the background.

It's a shame that she couldn't be so easily elected as a Sikh...

Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.

I actually find your comment

It's discouraging that any American political candidate feels compelled to include in her campaign material a confession of faith.

much more discouraging than Nikki's. To quote a well-know prayer - Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven - Good guidance for all of us.

You say "secular" like it's a bad thing. It's your he11, you burn in it.

Ah, sweet Jesus, the "deus ex machina" of politicians when things have gone wrong, might go wrong or we need votes.

NOPINKO wrote: "I hope the silent majority (remember us) kick ALL your butts OUT in November.

I pray to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that His will be done in this."

----------------
OK, and will you ACCEPT the November results as the will of Jesus if they don't turn out the way you want them to?

Or do you only have faith in the divine when you get the results your little mind wants?

bruce18: "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven - Good guidance for all of us."

Excellent guidance indeed. Perhaps, then, the Catholics, Protestants, Mormons, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, etc. etc. etc. can first hash out who, exactly, "Thy" is, and then maybe suss out Thy's will. Does (he) hate homosexuality? How does (she) feel about shellfish? Perhaps (it) has a thing for burqas?

Let me know how it all goes.

in re skipsailing28:
Matthew 22:20-22
Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's

Like many people these days, you seem to think that you can pull some verses out of context, rationalize an exploitative attitude, throw around some ad hominem and walk on back to your pew.

"then I have a duty, as a christian, to resist the tax and spend dynamic in America." Hmmm. where exactly in the Gospel do you find the part about "resist the tax?"

As a fellow Christian, I am puzzled. and lastly just for you, Ecclesiastes 5:10

10 Whoever loves money never has money enough;
whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.
This too is meaningless.

Please read, study, consider and weigh what you are saying before you speak as a Christian. We are judged by all of our words together. If nothing else, turn the other cheek. (so, seriously, I say this brother to brother) don't try to defend capitalism vs Acts Christianity. Just doesn't work. and you bring discredit to the faith, in my opinion

Nikki Haley's "christ" can go burn in hell.

Just what is a "methodist?"

I've lived across the nation and now in S Carolina for 6 years. This is a weird ass place when it comes to politics.

Religion -- the next-to-last-refuge of scoundrels, and Appalachian Trail hikers.

Funny mental loss.

It is highly unlikely any non Judeo Christian can be elected to the Senate in the any state in the US, let alone in the bible belt. US remains a deeply Christian nation. That said, Nikki's parent's immigrated from India where Sikhs are less than 1% of the majority (80%) Hindu nation. India currently has a Sikh as a Prime Minister and the leader of the ruling party is a Caucasian Italian born Catholic. The previous Indian President was a Muslim. It is not natural for any of the 3 Abrahamincal religions to elect some one not from their religion. Both Bobby Jindal and Nikki obviously must have come to that realization early on. As converts both had to be seen to "more Christian" to overcome this barrier. Even when Obama was accused of being a Muslim, Obama never said "so what" but provided proof of his Christianity. Collin Powell to his credit was the only leader who said so what. It will be another century before Americans are more accepting of other people's faith.

in reply to this:
++++++++++++
in re skipsailing28:
Matthew 22:20-22
Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's
Like many people these days, you seem to think that you can pull some verses out of context, rationalize an exploitative attitude, throw around some ad hominem and walk on back to your pew.
"then I have a duty, as a christian, to resist the tax and spend dynamic in America." Hmmm. where exactly in the Gospel do you find the part about "resist the tax?"
As a fellow Christian, I am puzzled. and lastly just for you, Ecclesiastes 5:10
10 Whoever loves money never has money enough;
whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.
This too is meaningless.
Please read, study, consider and weigh what you are saying before you speak as a Christian. We are judged by all of our words together. If nothing else, turn the other cheek. (so, seriously, I say this brother to brother) don't try to defend capitalism vs Acts Christianity. Just doesn't work. and you bring discredit to the faith, in my opinion

++++++++++++++++++++

Again, this is just ideological myopia.

I never said I love wealth now did I? Of course not. This is just your bigotry on display. In essence you're saying that anyone who opposes tax and spend social programs is wrong and not a good christian. What bigotry.

Further, anyone who wishes to keep the money they earned so they can use it as they see fit is not a good christian. According to you good christians simply pay their taxes and shut up about it. I hardly think so.

Further you have no way to know that my "attitude" is exploitive. You just made an assumption. This is just more bigotry. The left is good at this. If I don't agree to higher and higher taxes, if I have the unmitigated gall to criticize the net result of failed government social engineering I am somehow not a good christian because you can quote some irrelevant bible verses? Talk about stereotyping!

so, if I KNOW that my money is being spent for things that I don't believe are in keeping with my faith, I have NO duty to do something about that? when, exactly, do we get around to rendering unto God pal?

Why on earth do you think there was such an uproar about Federal funding of abortion during the Obamacare debates? Did you miss that entire debate? It certainly seems that way to me.

and I will speak freely, as a christian. If my understanding of what that means differs from yours, you'll have to make a better case than this. What you've done is make a bunch of assumptions about me, no doubt based on bigoted stereotypes, and insisted that this is who I am and what I believe and that I should shut up.

Just how christian is that my friend?

here's a piece of advice for you:
"Please read, study, consider and weigh what you are saying before you speak as a Christian."

And when was it that she cheated on her husband, before or after she was born again? I'm going to vote AFTER, in the proud tradition of the gayophobic/ gayophiliac religious right.

I have a two-volume collection of the letters and speeches of Abraham Lincoln. The first item in the collection is his letter to a newspaper defending himself against accusations of "infidelity," which did not refer to marital infidelity but to a lack of Christian faith. Accusing a candidate of not being a Christian has been standard fare since before there was a United States. I don't imagine it will go away in my lifetime.

"But with records of three-hour midnight phone calls between Haley and her former staffer Will Folks, and with lobbyist Larry Marchant naming the specific date and Salt Lake City hotel where he and Haley supposedly had sex at a 2008 education-reform conference, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to believe that Haley hasn’t been naughty."

Quoted from a respected online paper

Can we please please please leave religion out of politics. If for no other reason it's holding us back from focusing on what's important. A great example is the abortion issue. Religious groups continue to try to make abortion a central issue, yet we found years ago that it is not practical to legislate. Rich women fly to other countries (the preacher and congressman will be the first ones on the plane) and poor women turn to back alleys and coat hangers. It's an issue best left to be dealt with at the family and church level, yet time and again we find the issue coming up in discussions by our legislators, wasting everyone's time. Religion belongs in the neighborhood church, where it is protected from tax collection. If people want to push their views on others outside their church, that is recognized as politics and law, not religion, and such groups should pay taxes like everyone else.

lol, skip. peace brother. You just demonstrated your incredible anger. Isn't possible to reconcile most forms of capitalism and Christianity. Nor is it possible to reconcile participation in most modern political power structures under close adherence to what the Christ taught.

see, that's the point about not dragging our faith into politics. From my reading of your notes, you assume that I am a leftist, you don't answer the question of where, Biblically speaking, you get to choose to "resist." Also, truthfully, I was trolling you a bit.

You simply shouldn't be yelling Bible bigotry when you don't have the Bible behind you. I asked you to explain your earlier "Christian based" accusations of bigotry when the previous poster talked about the Christian ideal of our founding church.

and frankly, unless you are going to speak in a Christian fashion, driven by actual New Testament references, you should not take offense when I suggest you not use our faith and our Bible as a means to attack "Leftists" etc.

try again, Skip, without the anger and the ad hominem and maybe with some old fashioned New Testament backing.

I wonder what would all these hypocrites say if she was a Jew. Oh, NO, then all will be anti-semites!!! The other question what would they say if she was a Muslim. Then the racist will have a field day. Just wondering.

Posted by: omarymo |
----------------------
If she were a Jew, she wouldn't be a-spillin' and a-gushin' and a bloggin' all over the place religion-wise. Her Judaism would be her business, not South Carolina's.

It would seem that South Carolina works in mysterious ways.

South Carolina will continue to exist after Doomsday. Liberal states won't be as lucky.

The wise man built his house upon the rock while the foolish, upon the sand. The foolish perished.

South Carolina seems to belong to the wise category. They know what is the main ingredient to build a WISE establishment.

She's going to fit right in the Republican party. Christian-supremacy and naughty scandals, ideas that are not viable, and endorsements from the 'tea party' psychos.

Someone needs to develop a prayer meter for times like these.
I'm sure all the Catholics, Mormons, Quakers, and other denominations on our bills are banking on her views.

If there is no true Christianity, scandals would be the main practice coz they will make their own stupid laws.

Muslims can marry more than 1 wife, Hindus will legalize slavery and discrimination (Dalits), atheists would create little North Koreas where the word freedom and migration is an offence to the state.

If only all idiots will keep silent for a year, Doomsday would not occur. They were too loud during the last presidential election. Look what we got and will get in the near future.

Look North

But only as far as Virginia. You can see Herr Governor McDonnell putting into practice his religious thesis from Pat Robertson University. We don’t need Christians in high office because they’ll only take us down the same road as the Taliban. If anyone votes for a public office based on religion, they fall into either the category of religious fanatic or someone incapable of understanding the issues. The public officials who flaunt their religion are no better than the television Evangelists.

Want to thank Skipsailing28 for drawing attention to my post. It was intended to provoke intellectual thought about the theocratic form of government that the Christian Right has and continues to pursue. And no, I'm not a Christian, but brotherly love is not solely owned by Christianity. For the rest of the "I'm right and your wrong" Christians, thanks for proving that religion and politics should have no place together. Hate is easy, love can be a challenge.

You don't have to rummiate over her belief or nonbelief. Nikki Halley knows her SC political history very well and she doesn't want to end like Alex Halley, the former very popular jewish mayor of Greenville, who was defeated for a seat in Congress by a hate campaign orchestrated by the late Lee Atwater through a proxy.
The main theme was that Alex Heller "did mot believe in Jesus Christ".

She is deadly afraid of the effectiveness of such a campaign. Alex Heller was 14 points ahead of the then unknown Carroll Campbell, his lead vanished in two days and he lost the election.

Let's call a spade a spade and stop pussyfooting around the bush.

For the idiots' information, the First Ammendment was pushed thru by true Christians.

What do the idiots know about true Christianity?

If there is no true Christianity, you guys had long self-destructed. You are a danger to yourselves.

True Christians are the salt of the earth. Be kind to them coz they help preserve you and keep you from stinking so fast.

A little Christian history outside the bible: Consider those of righteous arrogance including the Pope that killed and tortured non-believers during the inquisitions; who slaughtered the middle east during the crusades; kingdoms who murdered, enslaved, and displaced the original citizens of the new world and parts of the old with a cross in one hand and a sword in the other; most imperialistic and now minimized regimes; Christian populations who supported or turned a blind eye to the most genocidal facist regime in world history--Nazi Germany; the self-rightous who supported American slavery; those who minimized women and non-white races, whose religious priests conducted child abuse on a global wholesale level, and those who now continue to believe that Bush/Cheney and a host of new cross and sword leaders protect Christian ideals. It is my hope that this type of theocracy is never in charge. Independent and intellectual thought would suggest that there is a better way.

I am an retired Independent, Ex-Republican, 63 year old white male with children and grandchildren. In respect for their future, I am a conservationist, clean energy backer, and environmentalist, that also appreciates economic, cultural, and global realities. These make me a realist, not an ideological liberal. As for those social issues that Christian conservatives cling to other than self-interest, I am neither gay nor female and find it impossible and hypocritical to judge the issues of choice or gay rights. And no, I don't believe an assult rifle is a hunting weapon. Hate is easy; love can be a challenge.

Can we please move on from the Fidelity question?

FDR, Great president... cheated...
Kennedy, OK president... cheated
Lincoln, Great president... cheated
Jefferson, great president... cheated.

Enough... It pissed my off when the Republicans did this non-sense against Clinton using out tax dollars.

Enough.

Catholicism is NOT Christianity. People who say they are Christians may not be Christians at all.

I hope people would realize first what is true Christianity before they try to malign it coz as we all know, FALSE RELIGION crucified Christ.

Barking on the wrong tree because they're just too ignorant.

I do hope the human race evolves beyond their fairy tales known as religion.

It's made abundantly clear here that the state of South Carolina has established a compulsory religion requirement for public office. They are in direct violation of the Constitution of the United States, and should not be allowed to remain in the union while they maintain their theocratic jihadist status.

Where are the authorities? Or is the Constitution just a quaint joke now?

Imagine some backward country of primitive tribespeople where folks have to profess a belief in the Flying Spaghetti Monster in order to become leaders of the culture.

Congratulations! You have imagined the United States of America in 2010. (Yes, really, it is the 21st century, contrary to popular belief.)

God will decide who stays in the union. The liberal states may cease to exist in the near future. They have all self-destructed. Doomsday will swallow them.

America would then become what is was intended to be in the beginning - a true nation of God.

A millineum of peace and prosperity will commence because stupidity has faded away. No porn, no gay-marriages, no fairy tales like evolution (soil turning into brains by themselves). In other words, NO IDIOTS. A little like heaven on earth for a thousand years.

Spidermean2-
You actually believe that? Because that no idiots thing might not apply to the people you think.

Is she running for governor or chaplain? Her erstwhile religiosity is so transparently bogus. Of course, this is what happens when the majority of citizens decline to 'get involved' with politics. There's always some wing nut who will.

Spidermean2 wrote:

"Muslims can marry more than 1 wife, Hindus will legalize slavery and discrimination (Dalits), atheists would create little North Koreas where the word freedom and migration is an offence to the state."

And Christian priests shall continue to sodomize and sexually molest young altar boys and have sex with nuns, only to be pardoned by the Pope. In the name of Jesus these freaks shall be ruling the world !

Again, somebody needs to know that Catholicism is NOT Christianity. It has a very long history of burning Bibles - the very Word of God. And that is just for starters.

spidermean2

You wrote, "The Bible is true. It is prophesied that true Christians will rule the world.

You may believe it or not but that is the prophecy.

There are many verses that will attest to this. Im not quoting them."

Could it be that you are not "quoting them" because the one you did quote, had absolutely nothing to do with "ruling the world"?

People have used and continue to use the bible and "verses" to justify themselves and/or their agenda, kind of reminds one of when satan used the "bible and verses" in his temptation of Jesus.

Take care, be ready.

Sincerely, Thomas Paul Moses Baum.

spidermean2

You wrote, "Again, somebody needs to know that Catholicism is NOT Christianity. It has a very long history of burning Bibles - the very Word of God. And that is just for starters."

Isn't Jesus the "Word of God"?

Doesn't the bible say that the "Word became Flesh", I have never heard of a book called the bible becoming "Flesh" have you?

Could you authenticate any of this "very long history of burning Bibles"?

Are you Catholic or have you ever been?

Take care, be ready.

Sincerely, Thomas Paul Moses Baum.

Someone once said that the difference between a cult and a religion is merely time. When any religion dominates the political agends, it becomes a theocracy.

Hoooey.

I want to see her birth certificate.

Render to God the things that are God's. Render to political charlatans nothing.

BTW... God does not have a birth certificate.

The extent to which you claim to be religious is simply the extent to which you lie to yourself about what you do not know.

Lie to yourself enough and you can become and evangelical, the epitome of self serving religiosity casting off the truth for self gain. Pitiful people!

I live in Nikki Haltey's county. When she defeated A male WASP six years ago I know our county was changing.
So she's a Sikh? And now a Christian. She started going to church last year.
What politican running doesn't?
What's wrong with being a member of two religions, or even three.
It might make you a better and wiser person.

So what if Haley celebrates both Christianity and Sikhism? This is now common in interfaith families, folks. For more on how Nikki Haley fits into our interfaith future read my response at http://onbeingboth.wordpress.com/