Morality of Politics

The Pledge of Allegiance states, "One nation under God," and the United States Mint stamps, "In God We Trust" on U.S. currency. Millions of Americans have said one time or another, "For the love of God and country." We relish the words in Irving Berlin's, "God Bless America." Although we claim to be a country founded on the principles of separation of church and state, are we really?

In examining morality in politics, I think we first need to look at the hot topics of pro life and birth control. If anything can stir the passions of people on both sides of the fence it is these two issues. The Christian movement makes no secret how zealous they are in their attempts to reverse Roe v Wade. On its surface,"Pro Life" certainly sounds moral and honorable, yet I question the validity of the argument, especially when delving deeper into the consequences of such a movement. If a child or woman is raped, one needs to ask if it is morally correct then to further victimize these abused people by forcing them to carry their attacker's baby to term? Should a minority group, i.e., "Right to Lifers" be allowed to impose their tunnel vision of religious beliefs on the majority of society?

Is it morally correct to embrace capital punishment? Do we turn a blind eye to the innocent people who have been executed due to ego driven and aggressive detectives and prosecutors who will stop at nothing to get a confession, after long and tiresome questioning and then, after conviction, refuse to explore new DNA evidence? Is this viewpoint ethical and moral?

If your religious beliefs have taught you all life is meaningful, then, how can you be against Health Care Reform which will treat everyone as an equal? The country that I hold so closely to my heart is a melting pot of individualism and choices. By and large we are a hard working people who know all too well the sacrifices of long hours, missed vacations, going to work ill and cutting short earned maternity or bereavement times. Then, through no fault of our own we end up with a job loss and with that loss we no longer have health insurance. Of course, there are low level wage earners who can barely scrape by and these contributors to our economy and society can not afford health coverage because the cost is so prohibitive. Shouldn't all people be entitled to receive the same level of medical treatment? Is it morally or ethically correct to treat one sick and ailing child and not another, simply because they do not have health insurance coverage?

Of course big business, the oil and gas industries, manufacturing, etc., neither have a desire nor an interest in accepting governmental regulations. Even though we have polluted rivers, streams, lakes, soil, wells, deforestation, flames coming out of faucets and people have died, been diagnosed with caner or other chemical related diseases due to poisoning...these same companies proclaim their ability to self regulate. Is it morally and ethically just to put company profits over the health and safety of our citizenry?

The evangelical right will surely have a hand in the nomination process for the next Republican candidate for President. Their interpretation of God's values, all wrapped up in the American flag is what stokes the fires in the hearts of this movement. In this group's hardened philosophy is the thinking that marriage should only be between a man and a woman. They despise homosexuality and think it is a choice. However, in being called by God, these same people do not want every person in this country treated with equal rights. Is that a Christian value? If we look with an open mind at marriage between a man and a woman, then we also should examine the Bible in reference to marriage between a man and several women because those unions are mentioned throughout.

Let me point out that I was raised Protestant and consider myself a Christian. I was brought up with a code of equality for all and that every single person should be treated with dignity and respect no matter what their socioeconomic circumstances, skin color, nationality, sexual preference or religion.

The right wing and Tea Party, although claiming they do not want judges legislating from the bench, have embraced the Supreme Court ruling that corporations are people, thus tipping the scale of election fairness in favor of banks, the ultra wealthy, big business and Wall Street. "For the love of God and country," (cough, cough) corporations arrowheads are aimed at the bulls eye of profit. They do not follow the teaching of the Bible in regard to excessive earnings equating to gluttony.

Corporate America is not moral America and that you can take to the bank, or the stock market or to an off shore savings account.