General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Santorum regrets 'throw up' response to Kennedy speech [View all]Swede Atlanta
(3,596 posts)I would have no problem with him challenging Obama's worldview in secular terms...one based on sound reasoning, allocating responsibility to our allies for things in their sphere of influence, etc. But don't attack his theology simply because you don't agree with it. That is what "freedom of religion" is all about and the reason there is no religious test to hold public office in this country.
Further I would not have objected to him saying he had some concerns about Kennedy's use of the term "absolute" separation between church and state IF his intention was to say that people come to the public square with views and beliefs often informed by their religious and spiritual experiences and tenets. As a result it should be possible for their views and beliefs, so informed, to be part of the public discourse. But as I stated in a previous posting that doesn't mean you come to the public square and say you are opposed to x or y because your holy book tells you so.
In both cases had he used more rational language in expressing his views they would not have been seen as so extreme. But perhaps that is the point - he is extreme. Had he softened his comments and not reacted from the core of his frothy body, he would have been in essence lying to the American public.