Take a look at it this way, if Obama was Atheist, would he pray at his inauguration just because around 80% of Americans are Christian? Of course not. So then, why would he not pray if he is Christian and some 20% are not.
At least he acknowledged Atheists, no matter what vocabulary he chose to use to do so. This isn't the first time he's done it either. He's done it during his campaign. Did you ever see Bush in his 8 years of presidency, include atheists in anything that wasn't followed by negativity towards that part of the American constituency? Don't think so. If you take the non-believers thing to heart, then you're a lot more sensitive than I originally thought. Todd basically thinks the whole foundation of Christianity is bullshit, was texting me frequently during the Inauguration and did not take offense to the whole non-believers thing when it was said. He was actually applauding Obama on having the balls to even include Athiests in there. And he's right. At least Obama acknowledged Atheists..he could've stayed silent on it and then you folks would've really been pissed off. And for the record, the oath messup was NOT Obama's fault. Roberts talked over Obama in the very beginning, messed up on the oath, and in turn caused Obama to hesitate and be unsure of when to speak. You think he doesn't know the oath of office? He taught constitutional law, and studied the constitution inside and out. Considering the fact the oath lies within the constitution (article 2 section 1 to be exact), I seriously doubt Obama doesn't know how to say it when needed. And you're gonna call Obama a lousy speaker because he sometimes stammers when he speaks, and has the occasional hiccup? I'd like to see our former President deliver a speech like what Obama gave today, and as articulate as Obama did today, since Obama writes his own speeches. Find a speech by Bush as good as Obama's inauguration speech and I will tip my hat to our former President. Till then, I will accuse all of you here of crying over spilled milk.
He said it fine after that. In sad news, Teddy Kennedy just had a seizure in the dining hall and has been rushed to the hospital. I hope he's alright. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/20/ted-kennedy-collapsed-at_n_159415.html
The point is religion should not invade the public sphere. They are supposed to be separate. It sends scary message. So many Christians in America (51%) would not vote for an otherwise qualified candidate if they were an atheist. People were terrified he was a Muslim. If the President was up on the state and praising Lord Xenu or Thor or Zeus, people would think him mad. That is how a lot of us atheists feel when the leader of the most powerful country in the world is talking to his imaginary friend during is Inauguration. It's like if he was asking Santa to bring the country presents to save the economy. It is a display of merging the federal government with baseless superstition, and is an insult to all those who don't buy into it. Derek: And I understand that Obama is still way better than Bush, but since when did we have such low standards? Let's compare him to Jefferson, not Bush. Obama is an amazing man, we don't have to treat him with kid gloves.
If we're going to compare Obama to our forefathers, I think by vowing to restore America's promise and calling on the words of our first presidents (Obama has said himself that he wishes to model himself after Lincoln) that he's off to a great start. And if we're going to get technical, America was founded on Christian values. The whole 'under god' thing was there since the birth of the constitution. While I do agree that there should be a separation of church and state, the irony is that it never was separated in the first place.
Derek: The founding fathers were, above all else, secularists. They just escaped the tyrannical rule of Britain, where the King was the head of the Church and the State. It wasn't until later the line got so blurred again. And I agree that Obama is doing a pretty good job, I am just saying it doesn't mean we can't still criticize him when he steps out of line.
The founding fathers were also rich white slave owners who declared that "all men are created equal."
I never said they were perfect. I am just saying they had The Church and State separation down pretty well. In many ways they did carry the flaws of their time. And Obama wants to be like Lincoln, who was not against slavery or for equality himself really, so the criticism would still translate to Obama if you are trying to be so inclusive.
All you said is true. I guess I shouldn't have expected something as progressive as dividing religion and law of America... lol It's just that America keeps on insisting they are the best country in the world, while it's plain to see America is lagging behind on so many levels. Fundamental things need to change... like the whole "God bless America" deal, it's getting old and it offends people, whether it's meant to or not. Church and state have been divided here for so many years now, it's hard to believe it's still so apparent in the US. Obviously, Obama is wellspoken and he's got better speeching skills than anyone I can think of, but if he slips up (even like this, when it's not his fault) people are going to notice... Although, I also believe this is quite true, but harshly put... that's not really the point. It doesn't matter who did what in the past. Even if the constitution was written by Christians, does that mean it's still up to date? I mean, obviously the car wasn't invented when the constitution was written but is that a reason not to create laws for it? So why not change the constitution for the better and leave out the part about Christianity? I just see this as the basis of all significant change that can occur in America. America does not learn from its mistakes... but then again, a lot of people don't.
I should probably clarify that I was only half-serious in saying that. Forgot the trusted smile P). And I find much irony in Obama modeling himself after Lincoln.
Obama getting out of his car and walking makes me so nervous. Get the fuck in the car Mr. President, there are crazies out there!
How do you know he's gotten out of his car almost immediately after he's done it? And what are those binoculars and nightvisiongoggles for, Derek? Also, why are you wearing disposable plastic gloves?
Why? He hasn't done anything yet. Maybe we should wait for him to actually do something before adding on to Rushmore, eh?
I am not saying he will compare or not compare favourably. What I am saying is, we should have high standards for all our presidents. Maybe he will completely disappoint us, but we should still have high standards.
I do hope He does his best to help us get out of the economic depression, and out of war. And excel all those before him.