More than any other American President, George W Bush's political career depended on the support of the fundamentalist Christian community. While never specific about his beliefs, he always gave the impression that he was one of them. He has waited until the last days of his political career to say otherwise. He now states that he does not believe that what is written in the Bible is literally true but that, "you can learn a lot by reading it". What does that mean? You can learn a lot by reading an old stack of Field and Stream magazines. He's not even saying he believes in God or what kind of God he believes in. Jimmy Carter never kept anybody in the dark about that.
As a liberal with strong ties to the idea of a secular society, I'm in no way offended by Bush's revelation of religious ambiguity. It makes me feel that while he was still a bad President, he was more of a manipulative phony than someone who was motivated by a sincere belief in the desire to establish a "Christian" nation. I wonder how fundamentalist Christians feel? I know many who supported Bush, even though they were against many of his actions. Many do not think that the wars in the Middle East are a good thing. Many are acutely concerned about the conservation of wild spaces, natural resources and controlling emissions of green house gases. Many see a need for health care, especially among the very young, old and disabled. Many believe that anyone who works a full time job deserves the means to live a life style that does not involve twenty guys bunking in an old garage in some one's backyard.
What do you think about George Bush's religion? Surprised? Shocked? Nobodies business but his? Pass me that gin, son?
How will you feel about him in a couple of months when Laura leaves him and his daughter Barbara comes out of the closet? Will you be sorry for him or glad for the girls, who are free at last?
No comments:
Post a Comment