Mark's Notebook


	If Jesus Christ were to come today, people would not even crucify him. They would ask him to dinner, and hear what he had to say, and make fun of him. - Thomas Carlyle

Time to Get Religion

New York Times Op-Ed

Saturday 6 November 2004, 10:51 am
Keywords: Christian Topics , News Articles

By Nicholas D. Kristof

Democrats need to give a more prominent voice to Middle American, gun-shooting, Spanish-speaking, Bible-toting centrists.

"Don't be afraid of religion. Offer government support for faith-based programs to aid the homeless, prisoners and AIDS victims. And argue theology with Republicans: there's much more biblical ammunition to support liberals than conservatives."

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/06/opinion/06kristof.html?th

The Values-Vote Myth

By David Brooks

It was not throngs of homophobic, Red America values-voters that put George Bush over the top.

"But the same insularity that caused many liberals to lose touch with the rest of the country now causes them to simplify, misunderstand and condescend to the people who voted for Bush. If you want to understand why Democrats keep losing elections, just listen to some coastal and university town liberals talk about how conformist and intolerant people in Red America are. It makes you wonder: why is it that people who are completely closed-minded talk endlessly about how open-minded they are?"

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/06/opinion/06brooks.html?th

On a Word and a Prayer

By Steven Waldman

Religious voters love President Bush for reasons broader and more vague than merely his positions on specific issues.

"Christians feel misunderstood and persecuted and believe Mr. Bush's victory and presence in the White House is their vindication. The materials circulated in churches repeatedly made the point that Mr. Bush's open discussion of his faith had been mocked by elites, yet he persevered in defending his faith and, by extension, theirs."

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/06/opinion/06waldman.html?th