Now there is no credible evidence that Barack Obama is actually a muslim. Actually Obama has been quoted saying he is a christian. Even with that out of the way, Geraldine Ferraro has stated that if Obama were white, he wouldn't be where is is today. Is this election about race and religion or is it really about leadership and patriotism?
Friday, March 14, 2008
"...so what if he were?"
According to an election rumor that has been floating around, Barack Obama is a secret muslim...what?! But, to quote Nicholas Kristof of the New York Times, so what if he were? Many don't seem to believe the rumor, but not many people have asked "so what?" Many political analyzers believe that it comes from America's fear or discomfort towards muslims. Perhaps it just comes from the opposing candidate.
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8 comments:
You're right, religious preference shouldn't make a difference in this election. But I think, as hard as we try to avoid it, some people are inevitably going to make a decision based on these type of details. Hopefully, when it comes down to the actual election day people will be able to look past all of the stereotypes and rumors, and decide their vote on who they think can sucessfully lead this country.
I think that this election is still about about leadership and patriotism, but with race and gender playing big roles in it. Obama and Hillary are taking on campaigns saying that they will bring change. And what better change to presidency is there than a president with different race/gender than our past "traditional" presidents (white males). But I believe that people should not elect a president solely on their race/gender, but a president who is capable of leading this country.
I think that while religion is a big part of the election of a candidate, i do not think that it is everything. We have never had a president that is muslim and so I think that the reaction to this rumor is mor a surprise at a new idea. Whether Obama is muslim or not should have little effect on this race becuase it is supposed to be about leadership and patriotism.
Whether Obama is Muslim or not should not be the deciding factor in which candidate people vote for. I think (and hope) people will be wise enough to vote for the candidate they think has the best qualifications, experience, and whose ideas are similar to their own. I was reading some Gallop polls and for Republicans the top issues of importance are 1.terrorism 2.economy 3.Iraq, whereas for Democrats the top issues are 1.healthcare 2.education 3.economy. I think people will base their votes more on candidates' stances on these issues, rather than on what religion, race, or sex the candidate is.
I feel really upset whenever i watch some people say how Obama is a muslim when that should not have any effect if he will be the right choice for preference. These people are saying that being muslim is a bad thing just because they feel that it relates to terrorism which is only a small select of people. It shouldnt matter on skin color, gender, religous ideas or anything when selecting president. I to should just be based on who will be the best person for the job.
Sadly, I have heard several studies that say about half of American voters would not vote for a Muslim. It shouldn't matter, but it does, and Obama's opponents know that. It was hard enough to get a Catholic person elected-how hard would it be for a non-Christian to become president?
Well I will say that no Jewish people have been president! We have been on the Supreme Court, we have been mayors and congressmen, we have done most all. Vice President anyone? But, in regards to Obama's religion, I would say that it should not matter. However, I would say that if money is coming from Muslim nations to support him, which it is, then there is a little bit of a concern in my book but I guess everyone is different. The biggest thing I will say is that most people who do not like Jews do so because they blame us for things [ie. being wealthy :)], and for Muslims most pepople associate them with well ya. So ideally yes, it should not matter but IT DOES!
Sadly, this election is probably more about what the candidate does in the privacy of his own home rather than what he promotes and stands for. It is hard for people to avoid issues about a candidate that scares them simply because he/she will be running their lives for the next 4 years.
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