Robert Scoble writes about religious persecution and theocratic aspirations of Americans.#

Rob does have some other points. For instance, he says that we should consistently deal with all religious displays. Implicit in his arguments is an "display them all, or display none" point of view. I totally agree with that, although I'd take the "display none" point of view. Governments should not establish religion. At least that's what our constitution says. So, government officials. You know, teachers, staff, mayors, senators, etc should not do anything that favors one religion over another. And, yes, I include Atheism in that bunch.

The problem with the "all" answer is that it gives the power of deciding what is a valid religion or not to the bureaucrat who puts up the displays. This is a problem with religious institutions and tax exemption as well as the better treatment (more access to books) of religious prisoners.

Our society is best served when we have the freedom to explore ideas without the worry of reprisals of government interference. In Iran, for instance, can you really be a geek? I say no. You aren't free to dream and come up with a wacky idea.

It's the wacky ideas that will cure cancer. Improve our lives. Get us to Mars. Feed the world's people.

In America we've watched what happens when we have a population that's free from religious persecution. We've become the richest and most powerful nation on earth.

But Rob's idea wants to turn us into the Christian equivilent of Iran. That's repugnant.

Jim Wallis in the New York Times on religion and politics.#

President Bush and the Republicans clearly have an advantage with people of faith as an election year approaches. Republicans are more comfortable talking about religious values and issues, and they are quick to promise that their faith will affect their policies (even if, like their Democratic counterparts, they don't always follow through on their campaign promises).

President Bush is as public and expressive about his faith as any recent occupant of the White House. Among his first acts as president was to establish the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, which helps religious and community groups get federal financing for some of their work. Although the "faith-based initiative" has turned out to be more symbolic than substantial, symbolism matters — in religion as well as politics.